The Town of Cheektowaga on Dec. 30 approved a resolution to reallocate approximately $2.8 million of remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover unexpected costs tied to a recycling contract and higher-than-expected charges from the Buffalo Sewer Authority.

Supervisor Brian Nowak sponsored the resolution that, according to board discussion, shifts money that had previously been discussed for sewer lateral work toward these immediate, unforeseen expenses. "This resolution would deal with the remaining ARPA funds and allocate it," the supervisor said during the discussion. Several council members pressed for a clearer, itemized accounting of ARPA earmarks; one member said they had previously been told all funds were already earmarked.

Council members raised repeated concerns about the timing and communication. Council member Vernon Thompson said he was seeing some of these changes for the first time and urged greater transparency. Another council member noted the board faces a short window to obligate funds or return them to the federal government, saying, "We literally have 24 hours. Tomorrow is the day." Board supporters argued that without action the town could lose access to funds and that the reallocation covers essential sewer-related obligations.

The board voted by voice and the motion carried. The resolution was introduced as part of the packet for resolution 2024-768 (sponsored by Supervisor Nowak and seconded by Council member Gerald Kaminsky). The transcript records a voice vote but does not list a roll-call tally.

Why it matters: The ARPA reallocation moves federal pandemic-relief dollars into town infrastructure and disposal contracts at a time when several board members said they lacked timely notice of the change. Council members requested a clearer, updated ARPA spending spreadsheet and said they expect improved committee notification going forward.

Next steps: Board members said the updated ARPA tracker will be provided to the board and attachments in the resolution packet reference prior allocations. The decision is final for tonight but members said they expect follow-up and additional review of allocations and attachments.