North Canaan allocates remaining ARPA funds

NORTH CANAAN — American Rescue Plan money is due to sunset July 1. With $21,000 remaining in the fund, North Canaan’s selectmen assigned uses for the money at a regular meeting June 3.

The list includes: $4,000 for repair of front steps at Town Hall, $3,500 for new LED local road signs in select locations, $2,500 to Fishes and Loaves food pantry, $2,500 for town laptops and printers, $2,500 for new flooring in Town Hall, $1,500 for repairs and renovations in town buildings, $1,500 for consultant Janell Mullen to update the Planning and Zoning regulations, $1,000 to enclose the data station at Town Hall, $1,000 to purchase tools for the Town Garage, and $1,000 for town issues cell phones.

The allocations were unanimously approved by the board.

Union Station Fund

First Selectman Brian Ohler noted the debt on the Union Station Fund is due to be paid in full this July.

The loan, taken out during the Humes administration to pay contractors, has a remaining balance of $208,000. The money was borrowed by the town with the expectation of state funding to pay it off in the future.

The state money has come through to the tune of $205,000. North Canaan will hold a town meeting on June 20 in Town Hall at 7 p.m. to seek approval for the remaining $3,000 to pay off the loan.