The Utica Common Council is hoping federal Emergency Services Grant funding for the City of Utica will be used to assist tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday evening, the council members unanimously passed a non-binding resolution urging the city to utilize some of these funds for direct rent payments and rent relief for individuals in need.

They’re hoping to help tenants who have been economically impacted by the pandemic.

One suggestion for the money’s distribution is direct payments to the landlord.

"All of that is up in the air, but right now, the solidified thing is that the Council is saying that if we can do this, and if there's a need, we should do it,” says Utica Common Councilman Delvin Moody, who co-sponsored the resolution.

After passing in the common council, the decision will be up to Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.