Oakmont officials mull use of more than $648,000 in federal covid relief funds

Oakmont is expected to receive more than $648,000 in federal covid relief funds.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi said he recently received confirmation from the U.S. Treasury Department about the American Rescue Plan Act money as well as the first of two installments.

The funds are expected to be put into a separate account from the general fund.

The borough has until the end of 2024 to use the funds.

“We are still evaluating all the options, as the U.S. Treasury keeps modifying their answers as to what the money can be used for,” Fodi said. “We’re going to create a very definitive budget. It provides us extra funds so we can do more work and get more projects that need to be done completed sooner.”

Potential uses include supporting public health expenditures by funding covid mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral health care and certain public health and safety staff, according to a Treasury letter sent to the borough.

Providing premium pay for essential workers is another approved use of the funds.

Investing in water and sewer infrastructure is the most likely choice, according to council President Patricia Friday.

“There are regulations and restrictions on what it is we can (use) these monies on,” Friday said. “… We have reviewed it, and we now have to make decisions on what to do with those monies.

“Our main interest right now is working on the sewer system. That’s not a final decision. I think from discussion that we have had so far, I would say we’re leaning strongly in that direction.”

Oakmont officials will work with Hatch and Senate engineering firms to come up with the most effective plan.

The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. on July 19.