Position Statement on the Application of $35M American Recovery Plan funds
By Lauren Rider
Knoxville City Council 4th Dist.
ETE/Politics/Op-Ed
October 12, 2021
(Knoxville, Tenn.) – City Council Member Lauren Rider, District 4, supports retention pay and city improvements slated to receive additional funding from the American Recovery Plan monies. Public Safety, infrastructure improvements, and shelter support are the critical services citizens depend on from the city. City Council will vote on the $35 million budget amendment to incorporate American Recovery Plan funding on October 19.
“This budget amendment prioritizes the needs I have pushed for in routine meetings with the mayor. I support fair pay for quality, professional public safety. In addition to this retention bonus, I look forward to supporting future budget adjustments that support fair pay determined by the current salary analysis the city’s Human Resources department is conducting” Rider said Tuesday.
The pandemic forced additional challenges on our city and its services. First Responders, who provide needed public safety in the face of danger on an average day, were asked to step up to the extra challenge of COVID-19. Additional sidewalks and new traffic calming were delayed due to the pandemic. Homeless services were strained and additional shelter is needed.
ABOUT: Lauren Rider represents Knoxville’s 4th Council District. She also serves as the Chair of the City Council Audit Committee. She can be contacted by email, LRider@knoxvilletn.gov. To learn more about Rider, click here City of Knoxville website