Stephanie Schwartzlow, Avon town clerk, has been working tirelessly to ensure that the Town of Avon receives its federal funding allocation of roughly $64,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The deadline to submit all necessary applications and paperwork is June 18.

As of June 15, it is reported that 2/3 of Wisconsin towns had yet to begin their filing.

Thanks to our town clerk, Avon is not in that boat. We should be receiving our funding in a matter of weeks, if not days!

Why are we getting this money? There is a component to ARPA referred to as the Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds. This funding program is designed to help state and local governments address the economic damage caused by the pandemic, as well as make investments in pandemic mitigation techniques and certain infrastructure including broadband and water/sewer.

Once the money is in Avon’s bank account, we have until the end of 2024 to spend it.

What can we spend it on? Like many large federal spending bills, ARPA is a little confusing. There are limitations to what a town can spend this money on, and the rules continue to evolve. The Town Board will continue analyzing the rules to determine where this money would be best invested. Options may include:

• HVAC equipment
• Town hall improvements
• Roads and culverts

There is plenty more to come on this important issue. Again, we have until the end of 2024 to spend this money. The best approach will be to move forward cautiously and pragmatically to ensure that every dollar is invested wisely.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.