Weymouth councilor calls for public input on how to spend $30 million in federal money
WEYMOUTH – With nearly $30 million in federal COVID-19 relief coming to the town, Councilor-at-Large Lisa Belmarsh is calling for more public discussion about how to spend the money.
Weymouth will get $17.8 million directly from the federal government and $11.2 million more through Norfolk County’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act money. The school department received $6.9 million.
“There are many rules, timelines and requirements of this funding that differ depending on who got the money, and how. For even the most seasoned budget follower, it is a scorecard that is difficult to follow,” Belmarsh said. “But one thing is clear: This money, no matter where it is coming from, has never come to Weymouth before and most likely will never come again.”
Belmarsh asked the council to hold a public meeting to discuss how the money has been spent, future plans for the money and the results of a survey sent out by Mayor Robert Hedlund’s office last summer. The council referred the matter to its economic development committee.
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In a letter to the town council, Hedlund outlined the money coming to the town and some of the rules associated with using it, as well as results of the public survey, which more than 2,000 residents responded to.
Improvements to roads and sidewalks came in as the top funding priority, with more than 50% of respondents including that in their top five. About a third of residents included water and sewer infrastructure, access to broadband internet service, behavioral health care and needs of Weymouth students among their top five priorities.
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“I’m happy with the results because they’re in sync with the vision I had, including important infrastructure improvements, which is where our focus is,” Hedlund said.
The mayor has sole authority over how to use the money, though spending proposals will go before the council.
To date, Hedlund said his administration has used nearly $1.4 million for COVID-19 testing and health department staff time, the final design of Columbian Square project, library materials, replacing the gym floor at the senior center, an updated Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and support for the Weymouth Food Pantry.
Hedlund said his administration is considering funding other projects with relief money as well, including reconstruction of Columbian Square; the Pave the Wey road and sidewalk program; improvements to Beals Park and Iron Hill Park; the Wessagusset Walk project; an after-school recreation program for elementary students; community behavioral health needs; upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure; and expanding wireless internet access.
The South Shore will also receive $8.7 million from a $4 billion spending bill approved by the Legislature earlier this month. The money comes from federal relief aid and surplus tax revenue. South Shore communities and private organizations will get 0.22% of the total allocated by the Legislature.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Weymouth councilor wants public input on $30 million spending plan
