Letter to the editor: Responsible spending of Westmoreland's ARP funds

I’m glad that the Westmoreland County commissioners are taking a responsible, adult position on how best to spend the $105 million in American Rescue Plan funds. Everyone in the county has a different idea on where to spend it once the guidelines are confirmed. And the “nonprofits” are licking their chops.

Without knowing those final guidelines, let me throw in my two cents. Some idealist social justice groups are pushing hard for the commissioners to create an allocation plan. And they demand a “seat at the table.” A plan is helpful, of course, so consider this: Disregard any surveys/polls conducted by biased groups. Looking at the county’s budget, it appears that about 35% is spent on human services (page 14). And only 24.8% of the budget comes from taxes (page 13). Think about that.

Let’s be realistic about how the funds are spent. They need to get back into the hands of the businesses and individuals who actually paid taxes. By “paid” I mean they did not receive a full refund. And please do not create any programs that will need continually funded after the ARP money is distributed. Those programs are a trap by the left to eventually cry for “funding streams” (taxes) to continue their pet projects.

I do not envy the commissioners’ daunting task of balancing a budget. And they will be under fire with the ARP fund spending. But wouldn’t it make sense to get the money back into the hands of those who generated it? Please find some creative way of doing so.

Michael J. Kardell

Murrysville