Darlington to get nearly $3 million in federal COVID relief funds
The City of Darlington is set to get $2.9 million from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, intended to pump money into cities and counties nationwide to help them bounce back from COVID-19. New City Manager John Payne informed City Council last week that the funds will come in over a two-year period. No timetables were announced for when funds would be available; City Council will determine how the federal money is spent. Last week’s council meeting was Payne’s first as city manager, succeeding Howard Garland in that post. Payne told the News & Press he will earn $104,000 a year as city manager. Garland’s salary, Payne said, was $88,000. Payne said his official starting date was Aug. 16. — Bobby Bryant
