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BAZETTA -- Township trustees and department heads are reviewing how to use $289,479 in American Rescue Plan funds with a focus on park improvements, including work on Imagination Station.
Fiscal officer Stacy Marling said the township received $289,479 in 2021 and will receive the same amount in August. The money must be spent by 2026, but the funds need to be committed by 2024, per federal guidelines.
Trustee Bob McBride said at a recent meeting improvements needed at the park include drainage work, an additional parking lot and expansion of existing parking areas, a walkway, and a road leading up to the parking lot.
Chairman Mike Hovis said infrastructure work at the fire, police and road departments also is being planned.
"We hope to have decisions of what we will be doing by May," Hovis said.
"At the beginning of the year, we put some feelers out there on Facebook asking residents what they thought we should be using ARP funds for, and it came back roads and parks were the main priorities for residents," Hovis said. "The funds are helping us to improve infrastructure, which helps the taxpayers."
Road supervisor Kris Parke said Burnett Drive must be done this summer, with a bid coming in at $207,317. A grant will cover $113,282.
Parke said Quail Run Drive also needs done and can be submitted for state funds for 2023. He said the township's worst roads can be addressed first.
Officials said Timbercreek also is in bad condition.
Trustee Mike Morrelli said guidelines must be followed on how the ARP funds can be used. He said funds can be placed in the general fund and set aside for certain projects.
"We want to do what is necessary and needed," Morrelli said.
He said restoration and rebuilding of Imagination Station could be as much as $500,000.
"We need to see how long we can go with Imagination Station and doing some work and holding off on other work," Morrelli said.
Officials said they want to see touchless faucets at the park restrooms.
Fire Chief Thomas Rink said the fire department needs a rescue truck replaced at around $500,000, as do an 11-year-old utility pickup truck and an ambulance of more than 5 years old at $150,000.
Police Chief Chris Herlinger said the police department's software and computers need updated, roof work needs done at the police station that was built in 2001, and paving on the driveway and parking lot also is needed.
"Doing the paving at the police department would be a good investment for the next 20 years," Morrelli said.
Hovis said trustees will look at a rescue truck or an emergency response vehicle.