The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan 

The American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) impact on the Town was the first agenda at the Peru Town Board’s Monday, March 22nd meeting. Passed by Congress and signed by President Biden the plan will provide $12.6 to New York State, including $825 million to smaller cities, towns and villages. Supervisor Brandy McDonald explained, “There are still many questions. A lot of moving pieces have to come together. The $760,000 that appeared in the newspaper is only an estimate.” McDonald said he would keep everyone informed as he receives more information. 

McDonald passed out a very general description of the plan. If the Town has a population of less than 50,000, the amount of money received cannot exceed 75% of the Town’s most recent budget. The federal government will distribute the funds in two equal installments over two years. American Rescue Plan Summary

Funds may be used to provide government services impacted by a reduction in revenue resulting from the pandemic; investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; response to the COVID-19 health emergency or its negative economic impacts; and certain employee premium pay. The monies may not used to cover pension costs, and there is a deadline of December 31, 2024, to spend the funds.  

Other meeting items: 

Residents Allison Webinaro and Lauren Prue expressed interest in conducting a Sunday afternoon summertime town market at Heyworth Mason Park. Vendors would sell hand-made and home-grown things. Supervisor McDonald indicated that the Planning Board would have to approve the proposal. While McDonald and other Board members reacted favorably, they perceived adequate parking to be the primary issue. McDonald indicated that vendors would have to park distant from the park and be responsible for removing any trash. The Board will discuss the matter at an April meeting. Counselors must approve the general concept before the Planning Board places it on its May agenda. 

The Board approved its Public Employer Health Emergency Plan. New York State recently required that every local government publish and submit its plan to react to personnel shortages during such emergencies as a COVID pandemic. 

The Board will meet with engineers at an April 26, 5 p.m. workshop to discuss upgrades at the Valcour sewer plant. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that NYS had released the highway improvement monies (CHIPS) that it withheld last year. Peru will be receiving $222,079.79. The funds are primarily used for highway paving. 

Farrell also reported that the Highway Department is gearing up for its annual street sweeping and paving operations. He advised residents to move sand, etc., to the roadside as soon as possible. His clean-up crew will be moving fast. 

The Board approved hiring a Water-Sewer Department seasonal worker at a $14 per hour rate. The Town had advertised the job but at a lesser rate of pay with little response.