While no decisions were made on how to spend the money, there were two projects discussed that figure to receive the bulk of this funding: improvements to the pump stations at Water Street and High Street.
Before a standing-room-only crowd and after more than 90 minutes of public and council discussion, councilors on Monday voted 4-3 to approve placing a rainbow crosswalk at the Franklin Street extension where it intersects with Main Street.
Not all library services require a card, including Wi-Fi, resume help and library events, and Wisehart said informal surveys show that 70 percent of out-of-towners shopped in Ellsworth before or after visiting the library. “We’re structured as a county library but funded as a city library,” she noted.
With $1,000 premium pay already approved for about 28 police and fire department personnel, the total cost of the employee payout is roughly $85,000 to $90,000.
The city has received just under $450,000 already, with the remainder to come next year, and has until 2024 to commit the funds and until 2025 to spend them.