Pembroke Receives Over $700,000 in ARPA Funds from Plymouth County
Commissioner Hanley Praises Community's Decision to Allocate Money Toward Restoring Services
PEMBROKE, MA - June 12 - Plymouth County Commissioner Greg Hanley presented a check for $710,242.86 to the Pembroke Select Board on Monday as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. The funds will allow the town to restore services to pre-pandemic levels without limitations on how the money can be used.
"This submission here is a testament to your community standards," Hanley said during the presentation at the Select Board meeting. "The best use of money that I've seen so far is revenue replacement."
Hanley, a former selectman in Pembroke, reviewed submissions from 27 communities as part of the ARPA program. He praised the town's plan for the funds, noting that there are no restrictions on how the money can be spent.
"You've done some creative things," Hanley said. "Bill has mastered the program in terms of what the eligibility is."
The commissioner also announced that he will return to Pembroke on Saturday for the dedication of the new community center. The grand opening celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring a 35-minute formal ceremony with several speakers, followed by tours of the facility and food trucks on site.
"It's beautiful," Hanley said of the community center. "And I'm sure it will contribute to the fabric of the community."
Town Manager Bill Chenard highlighted the significance of the ARPA funds for Pembroke, emphasizing that the money will be used to benefit the community based on its standards and needs.
"You've got $710,000 that's coming back to the town through the ARPA program," Chenard said. "The best and highest use that I've seen personally is this use of money that you're able to use for whatever the community standards are with which you want them to be used for."
The Select Board expressed gratitude for the substantial financial support from the county. Board Chair Tracy Marino thanked Hanley for the check presentation and his upcoming attendance at the community center dedication.
"Thank you for coming," Marino said. "See you on Saturday."
The Pembroke Community Center has been touted as a "tremendous facility" that will contribute to the fabric of the community. Its grand opening marks a significant milestone for the town, providing a new space for residents to gather and engage in various activities.
Chenard also provided updates on several other matters during the meeting, including the temporary closure of town offices on June 19 for a federal holiday and an extended closure from July 4-5 due to limited staff availability. He encouraged residents to attend the community center grand opening, noting that while the gym floor may not be fully accessible due to ongoing work, visitors will still be able to walk the upstairs track and view the entire gym from above.
The town manager also addressed concerns regarding unlicensed door-to-door solicitors, urging residents to call the police if they encounter any individuals without proper identification and licensing. He emphasized that solicitors must be approved by the Select Board, undergo background checks, and receive an ID from the police department to operate legally within the town.