By KATIE V. Jones
On Nov. 4, Laurel councilmembers voted in favor of an amendment to the city’s general operating budget and capital improvement plan for the fiscal year 2025, which started in July of this year. The amendment reallocates $35,035 of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds to projects that can be completed by the act’s December 2024 deadline.
Michele Saylor, director of the city’s budget and personnel services, informed the council that the funds would be used to cover shovel-ready projects. The funds would be used to offset the cost of improvements at Van Dusen Dam and to Morton Place, Stanley Place, 4th Street and Park Avenue, including gutter, curb sidewalk and street light upgrades, and alley improvements. The remaining balance for the completed repairs at Compton Avenue would also be covered. The funds would also go toward purchase of a new emergency rescue vehicle for the Laurel Police Department.
Funding for the emergency vehicle was included in the FY2025 budget but the cost has increased. Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill said that having an armored vehicle would allow officers to rescue individuals from dangerous situations. Such a vehicle has features the chief did not want to discuss in public, as well.
The council also approved funding for $306,610.00 to purchase curbside compost supplies, including 35-gallon and 12-gallon composting carts, kitchen countertop carts, Radio Frequency Identification tags and compostable bags. Michele Blair, the city’s environmental program manager, informed the council that these supplies will allow the city to provide composting kits to single-family and town home residents not currently in the city’s program.
