The Portage City Council is narrowing the list of projects to receive American Rescue Plan funding. The city has already spent more than $364,000 dollars and allocated another $800,000. On Tuesday, Council Member Scott Williams presented a plan for the other $7.2 million Portage expects to get.
"I didn't just pull these figures out of the air. I took copious notes when the police presented their needs, when the fire presented their needs, when the street [presented] their needs," Williams explained.
His proposal would allocate $1.6 million to the street department, $1.2 million to the fire department and another $1.2 million to the police department for vehicles, equipment and possibly training. One million would go toward clarifier upgrades at the treatment plant, and $500,000 would be used to make up a shortfall in the park department's operating budget.
One topic of discussion was which nonprofits should get a share of Portage's American Rescue Plan funds. Williams proposed $300,000 each toward the Portage Township YMCA's new pool and the Porter County Public Library's proposed outdoor park, plus $100,000 toward Neighbors Educational Opportunities. But others felt the American Legion, VFW and the city's marina should also get funds.
Council Member Pat Clem wanted to use $350,000 dollars to hire new employees for the police, fire and street departments, while others questioned how the city would fund those positions once that money runs out. Clem argued residents deserve quality services, but Mayor Sue Lynch felt they also deserve quality of life.
"So when you take 50 or 60 kids off the street and you put them in a pool, they're not out there getting in trouble. They're learning water safety," Lynch said.
"But you've got to plow the streets to get to the YMCA," Clem replied.
"But, Pat, you're creating a false choice between the two," interjected Council President Collin Czilli.
About a million dollars would be left for unplanned expenses, and Czilli noted that the city faces pending litigation that may require funds. Residents will have the chance to weigh in on the proposal during a public hearing, before council members formally approve the spending plans.
