At the Jan. 27 workshop meeting, the East Allen Township Board of Supervisors floated the idea of providing a tax cut to township residents using the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds.

It was not clear if this a permissible use of the funding, designed to help local communities and businesses. Township Solicitor Joseph Piperato III was asked to learn if a tax refund to residents is an appropriate use of the funds.

Other municipalities, such as Moore Township, have hired a consultant to advise on the proper use of the funds. The regulations for properly utilizing this money are complex.

During East Allen’s 2022 budget negotiation meeting, it was noted the township may receive in excess of $500,000. A planned workshop discussion on the use of the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds was tabled.

After the meeting, office staff noted the suggestion originated from township supervisor Chair Roger Unangst.

During the budget negotiation meeting, township Manager Brent Green said he expected to see a greatly enlarged budget line item for street repairs. According to Green, the township typically spends about $400,000 on road improvements. He noted the line in the budget for road repairs might be expanded by the supervisors to perhaps $800,000.

In another matter, the supervisors approved the 2022 road repair list found in the township’s road plan. The road repair list and road plan are available from the township office.

Both the recommendation to execute a vehicle lease agreement with East Allen Township and the recommendation to approve the reimbursement of the insurance premium for East Allen Township were tabled until the next meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the municipal building, 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd.