Discussions continue about how Jeannette should spend $900K in federal pandemic cash

Editor’s note: This story was updated to reflect the correct date of the council meeting.

Jeannette council plans to further discuss next month how to spend its American Rescue Plan allocation.

There have been many suggestions, ranging from infrastructure projects to small grants for businesses, though a formal plan has not been decided upon for the city’s $900,000. Councilwoman Robin Mozley said one is sorely needed.

“I am requesting that we sit down, put a structured plan out that we can put on our website,” she said.

Council will meet at 1 p.m. March 22, city clerk Nathan Bish said.

Council has been mulling over for months how to use its cut of the federal funding. The group waited for final rules regarding how it could be spent before making definitive moves. After council learned it was permitted to use the funding for revenue replacement without having to prove it lost income during coronavirus pandemic, it moved the first half to the general fund in late January. About $267,000 already has been earmarked for bonuses for employees, a manhole repair and radio upgrades for the fire department.

The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion stimulus package approved in March that includes funding for counties and local municipalities. The money must be spent by the end of 2024.

A letter signed by nine people in the business community asks council to consider their needs when allocating the rest of the money. Dr. Robert Gerger said he initiated the letter and is considering moving his independent practice out of Jeannette.

“It’s to help the small businesses in town,” he said. “I think I am in the same situation as many small business owners around the globe.”

The family medicine practice has been in town for 38 years, and Gerger has been involved for the past 21.

Mozley has been a proponent of helping businesses since first suggesting a grant application process in December that later was rejected by a council majority.

“I still believe there should be a small amount set aside that not everybody’s going to get,” she said during a work session Tuesday. “The pandemic’s not over. They’re dealing with supply chain issues; they’re dealing with short-staffing.”

Councilwoman Michelle Langdon suggested waiving a $50 business registration fee for 2022 and 2023. The fee was approved last year and went into effect for 2022. That would amount to about $20,000 over two years. Solicitor Tim Witt said the funding could be used to replace that anticipated revenue.

“I think that council needs to offer an olive branch to the businesses in the community,” Langdon said.

Members of council have discussed in the past the need for infrastructure improvements and grant matches for the funding, a use that has been favored by Mayor Curtis Antoniak.