Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail wants the Town Manager to continue research into how the Town could distribute funds directly to residents. The money would come from the American Rescue Plan Act. The Town is receiving $193,000 from that federal project.  Mayor Vail is asking the Town Manager to look into how this money could go directly to residents of Tusayan or even people who live and work in Tusayan.

Vail said it’s a chance to let the people decide the best use for the finds, “So that they can decide if it helps pay some bills, if it helps pay off a student loan, if it buys their kid’s shoes.”

Vail says this distribution could serve as a template to possibly distribute a portion of the town’s substantial sales tax revenues directly to residents.

Vail also invited others to offer ideas on how to use the funds.

Councilman Robb Baldosky and Vice Mayor Brady Harris expressed concern about whether the direct distribution of the Recovery Plan Act funds is legal. Mayor Vail insists there would be no legal issues as it is common for the federal government to distribute money directly. Harris would like to explore distributing the money to volunteer fire fighters.

Harris said, “For everyone who participates in The TFD volunteer workshop and then volunteers a minimum 12-hour shift per month at TFD, you will receive a $200 bonus from the town.” There may also be some legal issues about what can be given to a volunteer fire fighter.

Harris said he would welcome any input on his proposal.