By Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Flint City Council did not approve an $8,600,000 allocation of American Rescue Plan Act that would’ve been to provide $300 in water credits per residential household.
In a statement released by the City, Mayor Sheldon Neeley stated: “It is unfortunate that Flint City Council chose to delay the benefit of water credits for the residents of Flint”.
“This is something that residents requested during community engagement sessions on how to spend the ARPA funds,” Mayor Neeley said.
“We’re coming up on elections August 2, and I’m just going to say it … I don’t want this to be used as a political ploy or a campaign ploy,” said 5th Ward Councilwoman Jerri Winfrey-Carter
“To me, this is campaign manipulation,” she added during the meeting “This is being used …to get votes.”
The postponement vote was 5-4 with Mays (Ward 1), Winfrey-Carter (Ward 5), Ladel Lewis (Ward 2), Judy Priestley (Ward 4), and Tonya Burns (Ward 6) all voting to table the vote on the program.
Residents have mixed thoughts on the water credits.
Barbra Williams stated that while she needs the water credits, $300 is not nearly enough. She is hoping that the administration and city council will come up with a number that will truly help Flint residents.
Sonya Welch, who reported that she lives on the city’s southside, said that she will be happy with any amount.
“It’s free money,” she stated. “If they give me $50 towards my bill, I’d happily accept it.”
Flint City Council is expected to continue discussions on the resolution at their meeting scheduled the first week of August
