Verona sets meeting on plan for spending pandemic-related money

Residents of Verona are invited to learn more and share their opinions about a proposed budget for spending money the borough has received through the pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act.

A public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 11, half an hour before the start of borough council’s monthly business session.

Verona has a balance of $245,616 in federal ARPA funds as of the end of 2022, according to Nancy Carpenter, who chairs council’s finance committee. Spending recommended by the committee includes an outlay of $170,000 this year, leaving a balance of about $75,000 for 2024.

During a council workshop meeting on March 28, Carpenter said the 2023 draft budget calls for $10,000 toward new computers and software for borough administration, $40,000 for a new server to provide enhanced cybersecurity, $40,000 for improved audio-visual equipment in council chambers, $20,000 for final repairs to a Wildwood Avenue culvert, and $100,000 for a paving project on Second Street.

An additional $5,000 had been earmarked for a new Railroad Park sign, but borough manager said that a grant should cover the expenditure.

Trish Hredzak-Showalter, council vice president, suggested a public meeting be schedule prior to council approving the budget.

Municipalities and other governing bodies are limited in how they can spend ARPA money. According to the state Department of Community and economic development, recipients can use funds to:

• Support public health expenditures, funding for covid-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral health care, and certain public health and safety staff compensation.

• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries and the public sector.

• Replace lost public-sector revenue.

• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those with the greatest health risks.

• Invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.

Verona’s proposed expenditures include making an investment in iWorQ Systems Inc.’s software for public works and community development.

“It would allow the administration office to increase our efficiency,” Woolford said, providing examples of the software’s capabilities: “It does lien letters, code enforcement, permit management, and has a citizen’s portal to allow for payments.”

The $3,500 cost for the first year would be covered by ARPA money, she said, and subsequent years are $2,500.