North Augusta City Council wraps up the first month of 2022 with a study session at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in council chambers.
Federal stimulus money, art and a new event on the Savannah River are included in the items that will be discussed.
Mayor Briton Williams is scheduled to open a discussion of the American Rescue Plan Act.
[adrotate banner=”55″]
North Augusta has received its first installment of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The city received $5,935,544.61 of an anticipated $11 million. Congress approved the funding program in March 2021.
The money can be used for investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure projects. Money can also go to support public health expenditures and replace lost public sector revenue.
The money is being held in a separate bank account with strict guidelines on who has access and how the money will be released.
“No money will be transferred from that account without council direction,” said City Administrator Jim Clifford. “That money is now gone into a savings account or a checking account. The city staff is not authorized to withdraw funds from that account without direct counsel permission. Meaning, at some point in time, we provide you some recommendations on how we think that money ought to be obligated, and you’ll make a decision on that.”
The mayor will also provide an update on a new event planned for this year on the Savannah River. Williams announced the event at the July 19, 2021, council meeting.
“It’s always been odd that we live on the river, but never have actual events on the river,” Williams said. “We want the people to determine what kind of event we should have on the river in 2022.”
[adrotate banner=”51″]
The city has been receiving suggestions from citizens on what the event should be.
Activities connected to the river event can be held in other locations, such as the Sharon Jones Amphitheater, but Williams wants the river to be the focal point.
Among agenda items for the Feb. 7 regular council meeting that will be discussed Monday night is a proposed resolution to create a mural design review board. Council will also discuss a mural planned for 526 Georgia Ave.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
