Montgomery County will receive $7.44 million in federal coronavirus relief funds over the next two years under the latest stimulus package.
The Board of Commissioners on Monday introduced an ordinance establishing a fund for the money. The funding is part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Joe Biden in March.
The money can provide assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofit organizations and give aid to hard-hit industries such as tourism and hospitality. The funds can also be used to pay essential government workers and make investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.
In other business, the commissioners gave approval for the highway department to lease four new road graders from Lafayette-based West Side Tractor Sales. The annual cost of the five-year lease is $177,302, an increase of $75,000 per year.
The department also received approval to sign a seven-year lease for a new chip sealing distributor with semi-annual payments of $34,258.
The commissioners also approved an $8,000 quote from Indiana Tree Service to remove three large trees allowing crews to install two new culverts on Camp Rotary Road.
In other business, the commissioners:
• Approved a request from Lori Shaver of Tom’s Marine Sales to close a portion of C.R. 200S and C.R. 200W during the Hoosier GNCC event May 1 and 2.
• Introduced an ordinance to vacate Clay Street in Shannondale from State Road 32 to Washington Street at the request of a nearby property owner.
• Approved proclamations declaring April 30 as Arbor Day in Montgomery County and April 11-17 as Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.
