Warren to ask residents how to spend American Recovery Plan funds

Warren officials are looking for input on spending the more than 28 million dollars coming to them from the American Rescue Plan.
The city of Warren is asking the community to fill out a survey to rank what they feel are the most important places to spend those one-time government funds.
"This survey has been broken down into four categories: public safety, business assistance, wellness, and quality of life issues," said Warren Mayor Doug Franklin.
The survey will come with their utility bill this month, or they can fill it out online on the city's website.
The funding could be used for parks, businesses, or health-related issues.
"It should be covid related, so public health and wellness. Use it for business assistance, public safety, and also some equity issues, underserved communities," said Franklin.
However, the mayor says things like paving, sidewalks, and broadband won't be part of this funding since those could be addressed in a future federal infrastructure bill separate from ARP.
Surveys are due back to the city at the end of the month. The first public forum on the topic will be held on August 18th at the Packard Music Hall.
"These are their tax dollars actually coming back to be used for their own good, so we want their participation," added Franklin.