Gary City Council members continue to voice concerns with Mayor Jerome Prince's administration's plans for federal COVID-19 money. The Ways and Means Committee recently reviewed a proposed ordinance allocating American Rescue Plan funds for various equipment needs. But council members questioned whether some of the items — like half a million dollars to upgrade the mayor's office — really provided the biggest benefit for Gary residents.
"Let's fix these parks. Let's fix these broken sidewalks. Let's get some lights, and let's get some streetlights working. Let's get the things that's going to make our city look a little bit more appealing done first, before we do any of this other stuff," said council member Ronald Brewer.
Council Member Mike Brown said the American Rescue Plan money provides a tremendous opportunity to turn Gary around, and he didn't want to be known as the council that wasted it. "The money needs to be spent for the people that we serve, not for ourselves," Brown added.
Council members generally agreed that equipment upgrades should focus more on the police, fire and general services departments. The police department is looking to get new body cameras, riot gear and a portable traffic control system. The fire department wants a new ladder truck and ambulance, among other equipment.
Meanwhile, a separate ordinance allocating American Rescue Plan money for the Summer Youth Employment Program and Mayor's Youth Leadership Institute has been trimmed by almost $172,000, after council members previously voiced concern with a number of items. The $40,000 that had been earmarked to give incentives for participants was cut in half to $20,000. The marketing and advertising budget was slashed from $25,000 to $5,000. But the amount budgeted to provide weekly lunches to participants remained at $25,000. More than 200 youth have applied.
The ordinances will be discussed further during Tuesday's full council meeting.
