Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on June 26, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on June 27, 2024, authorizing the revision of the 2024 ARPA Budget for the allocation of infrastructure projects to be reduced reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds, be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
REALLOCATION OF AMERICAN RESCUE
PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS
Whereas, by letter dated June 24, 2024, the Mayor has requested legislation authorizing the revision of the 2024 ARPA Budget for the allocation of infrastructure projects to be reduced, with the shortfall offset by the $163 million in sewer funding received from the state. This will ensure the continuation and progress of essential infrastructure projects without disruption; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon has received funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address critical community needs and ensure optimal use of available resources; and
Whereas, the City has reassessed the allocation of ARPA funds to address better infrastructure, digital accessibility, emergency demolitions, violence prevention, technology, city-owned properties, and community programs; and
Whereas, the revised allocations include adjustments based on evolving needs and additional funding sources to maximize the impact of the ARPA funds for the benefit of the residents of Mount Vernon; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Infrastructure Funding. The allocation for infrastructure projects will be reduced, with the shortfall offset by the $163 million in sewer funding received from the state. This will ensure the continuation and progress of essential infrastructure projects without disruption.
Section 2. Broadband Enhancement. Funds will be utilized to enhance public Wi-Fi availability in parks, city-owned buildings, and spaces to increase digital accessibility for all residents.
Section 3. Mayors for Guaranteed Income (MGI) Program. The savings of $285,000 from the completed MGI program will be redirected to fund the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) and the Associate Commissioner position in Planning.
Section 4. Zombie Homes. An additional $250,000 will be allocated to the Zombie Homes category, relocated from City-Owned Buildings, to address the emergency demolition of 205 South 5th Avenue.
Section 5. Violence Prevention. A total of $861,000, previously expended on body cameras, license plate readers, an ESU truck, and dash cameras, will be reallocated from the 2023 Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) savings to the Zombie Homes and City-Owned Buildings categories.
Section 6. Technology & Digitalization. Funds will be transferred from the Stormwater and Violence Prevention categories to cover implementing a Fuel Management System and Laserfiche for the Buildings and Clerks Office.
Section 7. City-Owned Properties. The allocation for City-Owned Properties will be increased using funds reallocated from Violence Prevention. These additional funds will cover HVAC and building improvements for the Police Department.
Section 8. Recreation & Youth Bureau Vehicles. Funds will be reallocated from Emergency Rental Assistance to provide vehicles for youth and senior programs. Emergency rental assistance will continue to be supported through external funding sources.
Section 9. Fire/Police Staffing. Positions scheduled for 2024 will be deferred to 2025 to address current vacancies. This funding strategy will allow the City to restore these positions in 2025 without imposing additional costs on taxpayers.
Section 10. Implementation and Management. The Department of Planning and Community Development will oversee the implementation and management of these reallocated funds to ensure they are used effectively and efficiently to serve the residents of Mount Vernon.
Section 11. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.