The Warren County Board of Supervisors wants to hear your thoughts on how Warren County should use federal stimulus money that is being provided to the county for pandemic-related economic recovery.
A new webpage has been posted on the Warren County website that includes details on the funding as well as how Warren County is working to involve our residents in the process. This page includes a short online survey to solicit opinions, which can be found here.
The survey is open through August 17th.
Warren County expects to receive about $12.4 million in stimulus money through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was adopted May 10, 2021, to help communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“We want to hear from you, our Warren County residents and learn your ideas about the ways these dollars should be used,” said Rachel Seeber, Chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. “The people of Warren County are strong, resilient and hard-working, and I have no doubt that by listening to your ideas, concerns and guidance, we can unite and work together to inspire a common vision for our community post pandemic. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible throughout this process. Seeking public input both in writing and in person will assist us as your elected representatives to determine how best to help Warren County thrive as we recover and rebuild post pandemic. I ask you to please share this survey with friends, family and neighbors so that we have input from as many people as possible.”
“The ARPA stimulus funding provides an opportunity to build back stronger after COVID,” explained Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore. “We want the community’s input into these decisions so we can be certain we are investing these one-time resources in a manner that will pay future dividends.”
The U.S. Department of Treasury has spelled out general parameters for how the funding can be used, but municipalities have leeway to determine specific projects and uses within those guidelines.
The guidelines include:
- Spending for certain types of infrastructure projects
- Addressing negative economic impacts of the pandemic
- Supporting public health costs
- Replacing lost revenue
- Compensating essential workers for their efforts during the pandemic
Results of the survey will be shared with the Warren County Board of Supervisors and an advisory group will be established to review ideas and report recommendations to the Board of Supervisors before spending decisions are made.
Chairwoman Seeber has appointed Warren County Budget Officer Frank Thomas and Warren County Treasurer Michael Swan to serve as public liaisons for those who would prefer to give input via phone or in-person conversations.
Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore and Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Claudia Braymer, chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors Personnel Committee, will work with Warren County employees to gauge their input and will develop ideas that will impact our county employees and day-to-day operations.
Johnsburg Supervisor Andrea Hogan, chairwoman of Warren County Board of Supervisors Economic Development Committee, and Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Doug Beaty, vice chairman and finance chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, will serve as points of contact for their colleagues on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. Their role will be to seek input and assist with formulating shared services within our municipalities and review best practices from New York State and national partners.
The survey and background information about ARPA can be found at https://warrencountyny.gov/ARPA. Those interested in taking part in the process must do so by August 17th.
Printed copies of the survey will also be available at Warren County Municipal Center’s main entrance, by the DMV Office, or at the Human Services Building entrance, for those who are unable to complete it online or would prefer to send thoughts by mail.
Those who would like a copy mailed to them can call the Board of Supervisors at 518-761-6535.
Anyone who would like to weigh in with additional ideas beyond the survey can send their comments to warrencountystrong@warrencountyny.gov.
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