The city of Butler will receive nearly $1.3 million from the federal American Rescue Plan than can be used for a variety of purposes, according to the city's accounting firm.

The $1.3 trillion American Rescue Plan, which was approved by Congress and signed into law last month, includes $1,273,913 for the city, Tim Morgus of CPA firm Maher Duessel said during Thursday's city council meeting. The county and all municipalities in the county will get some funding from the measure, he added.

The American Rescue Plan provides $350 billion in emergency funding for state and local governments to offset the difference between rising costs and falling revenue.

Included in that sum is $19.53 billion for cities like Butler that has to be spent by the end of 2024, Morgus said.

The U.S. Treasury will begin distributing money to the states May 10, which will have 30 days to distribute the money to municipalities, he said.

Guidance from the treasury about how the money can be spent is expected next week, but some allowable uses have been determined, Morgus said. Those uses include financial assistance to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, households and industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality; offsetting revenue reductions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; investing in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure; and providing premium pay to essential workers.

However, Morgus said premium pay could affect the pensions of employees approaching retirement.

Rescue Plan funds cannot be used to pay pension obligations, he added.

Noting that he doesn't expect the federal government to provide any more stimulus money, Morgus advised council to “spend it wisely.”

In unrelated business, Leslie Osche, county commissioners chairwoman and president of the Butler PM Rotary, asked council to consider creating an arts and cultural district where art and cultural activities can be promoted.

The district is the Rotary's idea for its annual project and it would not require any changes to the zoning ordinance or provide tax credits, Osche said.

Bordered by Jefferson Street, North Washington Street, North McKean Street and East Fulton Street, the district could be a venue for concerts, cultural events and art festivals, she said.

“This is an opportunity to build a lot of bridges culturally,” Osche said.

She said the club asked the Department of Transportation for permission to place banners of artwork on 12 to 17 utility poles that are not on Main Street, and is waiting for a reply. She said the club does not want to interfere with the veterans banners that are placed on the poles on Main Street.

Council members said they liked the idea, but suggested expanding the district south to include the Butler County Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Art Center.

“I think arts in the community is a big draw,” Councilman Mike Walter said.

Councilman Jeff Smith suggested council vote at the next meeting to support the concept of the district and appoint a liaison to work with the Rotary.

In other business, council agreed to pay $21,000 to a PennDOT contractor to install electrical receptacles on the new utility poles being installed along Main Street.

Council also awarded a $6,687 contract with Davis Demolition and Excavating to replace curb ramps at the intersection of South Monroe and Jefferson streets.