Lexington city council members continue to work through the list of proposals tied to federal coronavirus recovery funding. Lexington officials anticipate $120 million over two years. But Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting began with veteran Council Member Richard Moloney urging his colleagues to only make decisions for this year’s allocation of $60 million. Moloney also expressed concern about funding programs that have ongoing expenses. “What is the real cost? What’s the ongoing cost and how are we going to keep paying for it. So, that’s why I have concerns about what we’re looking at right now,” said Moloney.
A great deal of discussion during the COW meeting centered on a $9 million request to address non-profit infrastructure needs. Council Member Jennifer Reynolds said cutting up the pie of money too small is concerning. She added there are non-profits with big needs. Council Member Liz Sheehan said non-profit needs extend beyond the $9 million request. “Like some of the projects were $12 million, $15 million alone. So, in my opinion, this is under the amount that we need to fund,” said Sheehan.
After much debate, the $9 million request was approved. The next scheduled ARPA meeting is November 30th.
