WALES — Town Manager Sharon Siegel told selectmen Tuesday night that about $15,000 in federal pandemic relief has been spent on appliances and equipment for a new decontamination room for the Fire Department.
The town has been allocated $170,000, with $85,000 received last fall and the rest coming next fall.
American Rescue Plan Act money “can be used for anything that has affected us COVID-wise and helps us to handle the pandemic,” Siegel said in a phone conversation Wednesday.
The appliances and equipment for the decontamination room includes the washers, dryers and sinks. Siegel estimates the project will require an additional $10,000 to build out the room and install the appliances and equipment.
Town officials will additionally dedicate some of American Rescue Plan Act money to provide premium pay to town employees, rebuilding the town website, and improve the municipal center.
Siegel estimates rebuilding the town website will cost $5,000 up front, however she is still comparing quotes. The new website will comply with the American with Disabilities Act and mobile friendly, she said.
Annual maintenance costs will be covered by the town budget thereafter.
Town employees, including firefighters and rescue workers, will receive premium pay from the pandemic relief allotment, Siegel said. Town officials are deciding how to calculate each employee’s payout.
The town will additionally look to expand the security camera system, which was installed a little over a year ago, and make improvements to the municipal center.
Following these expenditures, Siegel said the town will likely have money left for other projects, which have yet to be determined. The town will have to repay the federal government for unspent money, she added.
In other news, the state has released new district maps following the 2020 census. For this year’s state elections, the town will become part of House district 56 and Senate District 17.
Wales is now part of House District 82 and Senate District 22.
Additionally Hannah Dieterich of Wales is organizing a community resource fair at Oak Hill Middle School for residents in Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales on April 24. The event will offer information related to education, housing, legal services, veteran services, local food pantries, and more.
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