BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Common Council has called a special meeting for Thursday afternoon to address several American Rescue Plan (ARPA) related items, including the reassigning of funds to replace revenues.
According to the council documents that were published online late Wednesday night, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon is requesting the council amend the already approved ARPA spending plan and reassign $19.2M for revenue replacements.
In a letter to the council requesting this amendment, Scanlon said "the reality of the situation before us is clear. Either move any remaining funds to revenue replacement and keep those dollars in the City of Buffalo or give it back to the federal government. I am committed to doing everything possible to maximize the resources given to the residents of the City of Buffalo."
One revelation in his letter to the council, Scanlon said that the $11M from ARPA that has been given to Buffalo Water for the arrears forgiveness program was instead used for capital improvements.
The original promise for those funds was to forgive outstanding residential water bills. Instead, Buffalo Water used it for capital projects, but it's unclear right now which projects it was used for.
"I am incredibly disheartened by this discovery," Scanlon told the council in his letter to them on Dec. 13.
The council has requested the appearance of Acting Mayor Scanlon, along with all relevant commissioners, Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams, corporation counsel for the city, and project managers.
The impact of these adjustments will be felt across a variety of initiatives across the city. The below photo is an except of the council agenda which highlights the areas the $19.2M will be taken from. These programs had been previously approved by the council to receive ARPA funds, but will now be used for revenue replacements if the council passes the amendment.
The Common Council has already approved funding plans for dozens of community groups, many of which haven't received any of the American Rescue Plan funds.
The full list of approved ARPA fund awardees includes:
- Nyameke
- Sisters of Charity Hospital
- Groundwork Market Garden
- Fresh Fix
- Massachusetts Avenue Project
- Cigar Factory Apartments
- Nash Loft
- 2201-2209 Fillmore Ave
- G.R.O.U.P. Ministries
- Back to Basics Outreach Ministries
- PAL
- Most Valuable Parent
- Candles in the S.U.N
- Home Beneath Our Feat
- Project Mona House
- PeacePrints WNY
- The Salvation Army
- WNY Women's Foundation
- Gerard Place
- Franklin Apprenticeships
- Dress for Success Buffalo
- W.A.V.E
- African American Cultural Center
- Say Yes Buffalo
- Villa Maria College
- 1199 SEIU
- Catholic Health
- Buffalo Urban League
- Matt Urban Center
- BCAT
- The Service Collaborative of WNY
- NDC Buffalo Urban League
- El Museo
- Colored Musicians Club
- Torn Space Theatre
- Centro Culturale Italiano
- Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY
According to sources, it's unclear how much money these groups would get if the council approves the reallocation of ARPA funds to revenue replacement.
The total amount of approved money to the above groups is $19.8M. The city is asking the council to reallocate $19.2M for revenue replacement.
The council is asking the public to review the agenda, and submit feedback via a google form before Thursdays 5 p.m. meeting.