Butler Township looks at hall renovation for American Rescue Plan funding
Butler Township will be the second to use American Rescue Plan funds to repair and update a township hall.
The township filed paperwork to receive $99 per person in the township from the ARP passed by Congress as part of the COVID-19 economic stimulation plan.
Local governments can fund infrastructure upgrades, hazard pay for workers, parks, town improvements and similar expenses as long as it is spent by the end of 2024. They can’t use the funds to pay down debts or cut taxes.
Supervisor Gary Smith said the township has $62,000 now in the bank, with an additional $62,000 due in March.
He believed there will be another round next year for a total of nearly $250,000. The Congressional Office of Budget and Management said there will be only two payments, but four years to spend the funds.
Smith suggested the township “replace the air condition heating system and air cleaners.” He pointed when they run you can’t hear anything during public meetings in the town hall meeting room.
When turned off, the temperature dropped 10 degrees in less than 30 minutes. He also suggested they look at adding to the blown insulation in the walls.
A preliminary estimate for a heat pump system would be between $25,000 and $30,000, including the updated electrical.
Using a heat pump system would shut off the heat at 17 below zero. Smith said if the pipes freeze “it’s going to be a disaster.” Also, the funds can’t be used for a generator, which would mean no power if lines went down.
Going to propane heating would cost around $9,000.
Smith said it was discussed putting the furnace upstairs but “since nobody ever goes up there I don’t feel it's safe.”
There are leaks in the roof, plus leaks in the windows on the second floor.
The building also needs a small hot water heater for the kitchen and bathrooms. The handicapped ramp will need to be replaced. The floor in the bathroom is soft and needs to be replaced. Flooring in the main area will be replaced. Upstairs and hall lights will be replaced. They will also look at replacing chairs in the meeting area. He said there are 60 folding chairs used with the 10 tables for hall rental.
“We can’t use it for roads or cemeteries. We can’t have a generator,” he added. The township does not want to spend it on anything that will continue expenses after ARP money runs out.
The process requires the governmental unit spend the money, then report to the state and federal government.
“There are no approvals before you spend the money. So, we are going to be cautious," he said.
Smith said he had consulted with the township attorney Chuck Lillis and suggested projects are in line with allowed spending.
Smith said these are some of the proposals to spend the ARP funds. He asked his board for any others before they move forward with projects.
Algansee Township was the first to look at changes for its antiquated hall often crowded during voting and some meetings. Offices and bathrooms were added in the last decade to make it more useable.
Other townships are reviewing use of the ARP funds.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Butler Township looks at hall renovation for ARP money
