Nesquehoning officials are looking at what can be done with the $340,174.94 the borough will receive from federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Borough Councilwoman Rosemary Porembo said during council’s meeting on Wednesday that the borough received half of the funds already and will receive the other half in 2022.

“It’s a lot like getting a Christmas present,” she said. “Everyone wants this, that and the next thing.”

Porembo said the first thing council must do is meet with an expert to see what these funds can be used for.

She also noted that it would reimburse money the borough spent in 2021 on COVID-related items, meaning that it may provide the borough with some wiggle room in the general fund to determine what needs to get done in the borough.

Nesquehoning passed an approximately $1.9 million budget for 2021.

“We’re still coming along and seeing where we can put the money,” Porembo said.

In other budget related matters, Porembo said the budget committee is looking at every contract the borough has with outside companies to see if there are ways to save money moving forward.

Meetings with the police pension representatives and the actuary are also being set up to find out where the borough stands and where it is heading in the future.

First day of school

Mayor Sam Kitchko reminds all motorists that Monday is the first day of school and children will be at bus stops.

He urges everyone to drive carefully, watch for children crossing streets and be safe.