Sentinel staff report–
The city manager’s office on Friday confirmed Citrus Heights received its first round of relief funds from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
City spokeswoman Nichole Baxter said $7,838,486 was received on May 19, which represents a significant sum compared to the city’s roughly $39 million General Fund budget passed last month.
According to an update last month from Congressman Ami Bera, funding to cities comes in two installments: the first half arriving in May and the second half coming within the next 12 months. The total amount allocated to Citrus Heights is expected to be close to $16 million.
Despite more than 150 pages of guidelines for use of the funds being released by the U.S. Treasury Department on May 10, the city says a lack of clarity still exists on how the funds can be used.
“Our finance team is working diligently with Congressman Ami Bera’s office and the Treasury to get clearer direction on how the federal funds can be applied to COVID-19 recovery,” Baxter said.
The council is expected to vote this summer on a revised budget, with the new federal funding accounted for. Baxter said public outreach will also be conducted.
Read more: Could relief funds help restore Citrus Heights police cuts, repave roads?
