To spend or not to spend

The Ossian Town Council has received a $41,400 federal grant to help build new sidewalks — but city officials can't use it for infrastructure work. Instead, they must use it to pay for crossing guards, teaching children how to walk on sidewalks safely and similar activities. If they don't, they can't receive the grant that actually pays for the sidewalks.

The news upset several members of the Council, who thought it unnecessary to spend money for such activities. Learn more about the council's reaction to the pre-grant grant in the Tuesday, Feb. 28, News-Banner.

If council members accept the money, they would have to spend it as follows:

• Comprehensive SRTS Plan Development or School Route Travel Planning — $19,000
• Encouragement Activities to Increase Walking and Bicycling to School — $4,500
• Education Materials (e.g. brochures, videos, training materials) for Parents, Students or Crossing Guards — $5,500
• Parent, Teacher or Crossing Guard Training — $1,000
• Student Training in Safe Walking Skills or Safe Bicycling Skills — $1,000
• Equipment Purchases (e.g. crossing guard equipment) or Incentive Article Purchases (e.g. high visibility stickers, zipper pulls and shoe laces, water bottles, lights, bicycle bells, bicycle helmets, bicycle locks) — $400
• Special Purchase of 1 Speed Trailer for Use by Local Law Enforcement Personnel — $10,000
• Total Non-Infrastructure Activities — $41,400
• Total All Activities $41,400