Monday, June 21, 2021
SpecialPresiding: Mayor Thomas K. Butt · Called to order: 6:30 p.m. · 2 items · 5 votes · 14 public comments
What happened
- Failed to approve $7.25 million in federal pandemic relief funds with only Bates and Butt voting yes.
- Approved $30.2 million capital improvement plan for city projects through 2026, with Bates dissenting 6-1.
Attendance
Budget(2 items)
Approve $7.25 million in federal pandemic relief funds for city operations and improvements
In Plain English
The city received federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to help recover from COVID-19 impacts. The money replaces $4 million in lost tax revenue, upgrades air systems in city buildings for $2 million, funds $1 million in park and street improvements, and pays $250,000 for a study of community needs.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To utilize $300,000 in ARPA funding for an environmental planning consultant to come up with a one-year to 18-month planning process that included meetings and workshops with environmental justice organizations and stakeholders for the creation of a local Green and Blue New Deal
4 to 2
To only approve the $4 million to replace lost revenue
Accept the staff recommendation to approve $7.25 million in ARPA funds as part of the proposed FY 2021-22 Annual Budget to replace lost revenue ($4 million); upgrade HVAC systems ($2 million); invest in community beautification efforts ($1 million); and conduct a community needs assessment ($250,000)
4 to 3
To allocate $1 million of ARPA funding with $600,000 going directly to families and $400,000 for the project design and development of a Universal Basic Income pilot program, that would go to the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F)
5 to 2
To use $3 million to restore funding for seven sworn positions in the Police Department
2 to 0
Approve $30.2 million capital improvement plan for city projects through 2026
In Plain English
The city plans major infrastructure projects like road repairs, park upgrades, and building improvements over the next 5 years. The plan identifies which projects get funding each year and their estimated costs. If approved, the city spends $30.2 million in the current budget year on these capital projects.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
To receive the five-year CIP for FY 2021-2022 through FY 2025-2026, and budget appropriation of $30,196,844 for projects in the CIP budget for the FY 2021-2022
6 to 1