A project to place tree wells, trees and trash receptacles on Main Street was approved by Butler City Council although some council members had concerns about the cost.

At a virtual meeting Tuesday, the council voted to apply for a $372,000 Smart Grant through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission.

The city would be required to provide $93,000 in matching funds should the grant be approved by the commission.

Councilman Michael Walter said he is concerned the city will have unforeseen expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Walter said the city also plans to buy a $100,000 fire truck and cited the $200,000 loan the stadium authority could ask City Council to pay off should the authority be dissolved.

The latter is an idea floated at the February Butler Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facilities Authority meeting by Councilman Jeff Smith.

“That's $400,000 we don't have,” Walter said of the sum of the expenses. “I have a real issue with this.”

Smith said the authority has not approached the city about dissolving as he suggested.

Mayor Ben Smith said the authority has received a three-month reprieve from paying on the loan.

Walter suggested Butler Downtown take on the project to install the tree wells, trees and trash receptacles on Main Street.

“I just don't see how the city can afford $93,000,” Walter said.

But Councilman Bob Dandoy and the mayor said Butler Downtown has limited funding and likely could not pursue the project.

Dandoy also expressed concern about coming up with a $93,000 match for the project during an uncertain time.

“We do know we have these major expenditures coming, particularly the (fire) truck,” he said.

Jeff Smith suggested that getting $3 for every dollar invested is a good deal and that the city may not even get the commission grant.

“I don't believe we can just live in fear,” he said. “We should move forward and be optimistic.”

Ben Smith said the city could apply to the county infrastructure bank for a low-interest loan to cover the matching funds if the city receives the grant.

Council voted 4-1 to approve applying for the grant, with Walter casting the dissenting vote.