KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo City Commissioners are scheduled to hold a late afternoon workshop on how to spend the tens of millions that will be rolling into city hall from the latest Covid Relief Bill.
The City could get up to $39 million. They have been taking public input and staff have been working up proposals for the last few weeks.
The session begins at 5 p.m. at the City’s YouTube site.
Kalamazoo County will also be getting tens of millions in relief funds, but it has put off gathering public input on the process until after the board holds their next meeting on June 16, when they will have a clearer idea of what will be eligible.
“What we envision is a short presentation outlining what we’ve learned and what we know before we start to ask for some of that feedback,” Deputy County Administrator Amanda Morse said.
More says its still not clear if they can use the money to clear a backlog in the courts or to hire extra help to administer the funds.
“So we’re kind of waiting for a little bit of feedback from them before we proceed forward with requesting that public feedback,” Morse said.
Early reports suggest only programs that offset losses caused by the pandemic will be eligible, like funding inoculation clinics, helping struggling businesses or residents with unpaid utility bills, restoring lost tax revenue and paying for broadband.
A number of other communities will also be receiving funding. Battle Creek will have over $30 million to spend, Calhoun County will be getting around $25 million from the American Relief Plan, and Portage will be getting $5.6 million.
The money can be spent over over the next two budget cycles. The funding is being distributed based on the unemployment rates in each community.
Where the city is concerned, residents are invited to call in and voice opinions during the Committee of the Whole meeting Monday at 5 p.m.
— John McNeil contributed to this reporting. —
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