SHREWSBURY – From funding for food insecurity to new ways to communicate, the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen got a first look at a new set of proposed projects using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds during its June 14 meeting.
“There are some really good pieces on here that could have a direct impact on people’s lives. I think it’s a good use of the funding,” said Selectman Michelle Conlin.
Allocations so far
The town is expected to receive $11.5 million in federal ARPA funds.
So far, the Board of Selectmen has committed about $3.9 million of those dollars to various projects.
That list, among other things, included a total of roughly $1.4 million in public health requests, which, in turn, included a four-year commitment to increase the capacity at Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services to overcome an increase in mental health challenges and requests for services.
That investment aims to help the organization hire three additional mental health clinicians.
Outside of Youth and Family Services, funds were also used for HVAC upgrades at Paton Elementary School, Oak Middle School and at the Shrewsbury Town Hall.
Selectmen allocated another $497,045 to address negative economic impacts of the pandemic — supporting programs like a small business COVID-19 recovery grant initiative.
Roughly $1.6 million then went toward replacing a water main on Clinton Street in town.
Pandemic reserve
According to Town Manager Kevin Mizikar, Shrewsbury has about $1.9 million still unencumbered from the first tranche of ARPA funds.
Of that, he recommended last month that the town maintain a pandemic reserve of about $800,000 in case of future COVID-19 surges.
Next steps in the rollout of ARPA money are additionally unclear, Mizikar said, asking selectmen to keep in mind that these may be the only COVID-19 related funds that the town will receive.
Shrewsbury isn’t certain when it will receive its second round of funds, though Mizikar noted it may come mid-August if it’s consistent with last year’s distribution.
Simultaneously though, Mizikar said, there are conversations at the federal level among some in Congress who are disappointed about the percentage of ARPA funds still unspent.
“They haven’t even given us all the money yet,” Mizikar said. Mizikar urged caution on how the town proceeds. As Mizikar noted these concerns, neighboring communities are similarly grappling with ARPA uncertainties.
Each receiving money, area cities and towns are at varying stages in their own allocation processes.
Leaders, in turn, have highlighted some concerns about possible clawbacks of unspent money even before the current deadline for allocations in 2024.
Proposed phase two projects
Back in Shrewsbury, the Board of Selectmen held a workshop meeting a couple of weeks ago to discuss local ARPA plans.
Mizikar reported that they were “building consensus” about the release of about $750,000 for projects and programs that directly benefit residents.
After that meeting, Mizikar went to staff, who provided 23 requests for ARPA funding totaling about $2.4 million.
Mizikar said he highlighted a total of six projects that he felt met the selectmen’s criteria.
Two of the projects would be at Dean Park.
Another project would establish new communication methods through Mizikar and the selectmen’s office, including a newsletter, podcast and a citizen’s academy.
Selectman Theresa Flynn voiced her support for investing in communication and engagement.
“I think we’ve heard pretty loud and clear that people need more distilled information,” Flynn said.
Additionally, the town is hoping to build on a $75,000 earmark Shrewsbury received as part of a state spending bill last year to expand food pantry services.
“This would allow for the prolonging and the additional acquisition of both materials, space and equipment to further reduce food insecurity within the community,” Mizikar said.
The costs for those projects totaled $220,602, leaving several million dollars of Shrewsbury’s entire allocation still unencumbered.
Chair Moe DePalo suggested setting further ARPA funds aside for fuel assistance noting currently soaring fuel costs.
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