This month Guilford County is asking county residents to help figure out the best way to spend a whole lot of money that’s coming to the county as federal COVID-19 relief.
County officials already know how some of that $104 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding will be spent – but another large portion will be used based in part on public feedback.
Anyone can express their ideas and opinions by visiting an interactive website and taking an online survey before December 31. The web address is https://www.publicinput.com/ARPA5.
In addition, Guilford County is holding a Zoom-based virtual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting is at https://bit.ly/SGMeeting1. If called for, use ID number 878 0987 0534 and passcode 749383.
Those who wish to participate by phone should call 1-301-715-8592.
Here, in a nutshell, is the big question the county is asking: “How could $104 million best support Guilford County communities?”
Here are some of the general categories eligible under the guidelines:
- Public health response
- Addressing negative economic impacts of the virus
- Premium pay for essential workers
- Replacing public sector revenue loss
- Water and sewer infrastructure
- Broadband infrastructure
Those interested also have the option of providing their input by texting “ARPA” to 73224 to take the survey. Or they can call 855-925-2801 and enter Project Code “2902” to leave comments.
Printed or translated materials are also available by contacting Simone Robinson at info@pppconsulting.net or by calling 919-706-5449.
Guilford County’s website offers more specific information about the American Rescue Plan and the funding available.
Much of the money provided must be spent by a certain deadline or Guilford County will have to return the money to the federal government.
Wow.
It must be nice to work in the Parasitic Public sector, where they have more money than they know what to do with.
Literally.
The public sector is rife with @$$holes who have more money they could ever spend and STILL want more, and they aren’t tasked with providing water/sewer, police, fire and roads. They’re free to spend it on yachts and mansions and gold plated toilet seats which benefit no one except their ego. The water quality of this area has slipped considerably since I’ve moved here – in turbidity and taste – and I’m sure our citizens would appreciate some of that money going to upgrade our treatment facilities, which look like something Ed Norton would work at.
What..?
Do you mean the Private Sector?
If so, you must understand that the Private Sector gets its money voluntarily, by providing goods and services that people freely choose to purchase. It is not a de facto extortion, like the Public Sector.
And it creates wealth. Without any coercion.
If you look around everybody needs the check, households, seniors, teachers, school bus drivers, cafeteria workers and the whole school system,hospital workers and everybody with low incone and everyone else in guilford county and yet other states are using the stimulus check to help other states but guilford county doesn’t know what to do with the check cuz they don’t care
Get latest taxpayers rolls for The county and give each household $1000.00 each.I sure can spend it better than This local commissioner group we have now.One stipulation would be if you know someone,don’t feel obligated to give them any money.How is it that all counties around Guilford Co. Are giving teachers a supplement but Guilford does not.
How about let’s give it to all the For Profit organizations that are run by the liberal county board members. That’s where it’s going to go anyway.
You are so right ,, and they never have to account for where the money is spent. Vote them out ,,,,
Broadband investment will be key as we learned how hard it us to provide online access to educational services during the pandemic. They had to park busses wired with ghost spots in low income areas. That is my vote.
I vote to return it to the taxpayers.
I recommend helping our Senior Citizens who are struggling daily with the cost of living going up so high.
I agree. Everytime has gone up, and Seniors we are really seeing a hard time. Infrastructure, fix some of the roads so we don’t keep paying to get our cars fix. Invest in some FOR REAL Police reform, mental health, more affordable housing for seniors, better healthcare, take care half of Part B Medicare. There are more people who need help besides people with children. CTC is racking up
I second that motion Matt.
Let’s spend it to charge, arrest, convict and sentence all of the corrupt democrat communist party from their positions.
The one comment I can honestly make at this point.
“The county board is only interested in more money in the form of revenue from us.”
Our input in this discussion will be ignored unless we are a large financially backed group.
Look at the past and present decisions the board has made.
Currently we have a new company coming to PTI under a new bond approved by this board in excess of the 103 million dollars from the Federal releif fund. Remember when they made the same move when FedEx came here with all the broken promises?
Here we are again. This time hidden from public view, behind the doors very hush, hush.
“Democracy means open!”
I vote No to premium pay for workers.
I vote No! To replacing public sector revenue loss!
I vote No to Public health response these are covered already!! What this about????
I vote No for the “addresses the negative economic impacts of the virus” What are you hiding here???
This is super VAGUE.
Water/Sewer/Broadband. Yes
I believe we can do better than this gentleman and ladies.
All good suggestions, but here is where it is going: to buy political favors and votes for the upcoming 2022 elections, and beyond.
And we are paying for it.
Premium pay for “essential workers”? How about no pay for non-essential workers? Many at city hall would qualify for the latter. Take a look for yourself.
I vote we us it to buy a one way ticket out of the country for democrats
consider using this money to operate public & private school cafeterias on weekends & summer holiday, in select neighborhoods, serving student, staff & local residents – operated by & for student, staff, local residents. Now throw in local places of worship that have kitchens – help subsidize their local public meals? I WOULD EAT THERE FREE OR $$
They could spend the money locking up all the illegal aliens and crackheads. But that would cut into the democratic party voter rolls.