Westmoreland to get $105M in covid relief funds, could use money for capital improvements

Westmoreland commissioners said the county will receive $105.3 million in federal coronavirus relief funds that will be used to fund a variety of needed capital improvements and ultimately negate the need for a tax hike.

Commissioners on Thursday formally applied for the money allocated through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in March. Westmoreland’s allocation is $1.7 million less than expected, based on preliminary estimates.

Commissioners said the money first will be used to pay for expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic and to provide grants to small businesses and nonprofit agencies.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. There’s a lot of wish lists. You have to maintain the assets you own. It’s the stuff we need to look at,” said Commissioner Sean Kertes. “There’s the possibility of looking at what other counties have done, bought buildings to move people out of the courthouse, but that’s not a top priority. It’s just a discussion piece.”

The money is expected to come in two disbursements, with the first expected in June. Early guidelines limit the money’s use to water, sewer and broadband projects, as well as coronavirus relief efforts. Commissioners said county financial advisers suggested a slow rollout of the relief funds as federal guidelines eventually could be expanded to allow the funds to be used for a broader range of projects.

Early discussions for the money’s use include building a 911 center or expanding the current facility, as well as making upgrades at the courthouse or renovations to the aging Westmoreland Manor, the county-owned nursing home.

“We have this money now, so instead of borrowing money, we can use this money,” said Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher. “We have to see. $100 million can go very quickly when you are talking about capital projects.”

Federal guidelines prevent the relief funds to be used to directly reduce taxes or bolster sagging pension funds.

Westmoreland received $31.5 million last summer from the CARES Act, the initial coronavirus stimulus bill approved by Congress. That money was used to issue grants to small businesses, nonprofit agencies, municipalities and to cover pandemic-related costs incurred by the county, including the purchase of personal protective equipment, new technology and additional wages to essential employees.