SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock Borough council voted to use their American Rescue Plan Act funds for police department salaries and to donate gear to the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company at its meeting Tuesday night.

Council members also voted to request bids on planned improvements for selected streets in the borough.

More than $360,000 in already received American Rescue funds will go to support the police department, according to borough manager Shawn Pugh. Council President Jeff Campbell said their plans for the funds follow the strict criteria set out by the federal government.

“This is the best course of action for us,” he said.

In addition, council approved the purchasing of six new police tasers for $17,218. The tasers need updated every five years.

At the previous workshop meeting, a request from Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company for $30,560 to purchase new bunker gear, which includes coats, jackets and helmets, was considered. Firefighters attended the meeting with an example of their expired uniforms on a mannequin to demonstrate the wear that comes with their line of work.

Council members said they considered how taxpayers would feel about their money being spent in support of the fire company.

“We just spent $17,000 to make sure our police officers are fully equipped,” said Denton Zeronas, council vice president. “I think we have an obligation here.”

The council voted to pay the full amount requested by the department using American Rescue funding. The 10 new sets of gear will take a year to come in.

Pugh said that the borough’s street department asked PennDOT to evaluate what needed done to improve certain roads. The borough voted to place Willow Drive, Evergreen Court, Maple Street Extension, Seldom Seen Lane, Old Forge Road, Arbor Trail, Jefferson Court, Hockenberry Drive, Legion Alley and the Gateway parking lot out for bid.

The projects are expected to cost almost $168,400, being paid for by the borough’s liquid fuel allocation and some of the expected 2022 American Rescue Plan funds.

The borough also approved Slippery Rock Parks and Recreation to apply for a Department of Community and Economic Development grant for $250,000. The funds would pay for the paving of walking trails and a new playground.

June 25, July 23 and Aug. 27 were approved dates for the Bands on Bricks event in the vacant corner lot.