It has been a long time coming but Swansea officials are unanimous.

They will work together on their operating plans to avoid losing $560,000 in federal money.

All 4 council members agreed Monday night to have accountant Doris Simmons, a fellow council member, lead them a review of their plans.

Clerk Margaret Harvey had listed the $560,000 from the federal CARES Act in the town general fund, Council member Mike Luongo told the Chronicle.

“We called her out on this,” he said. “That money can only go to covid-related expenses and projects.”

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act and Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act provide US assistance to state and municipal officials.

To qualify for the money the town needs a revenue and spending budget with a public meeting and final reading and vote before Nov. 30, Luongo said.

Under the direction of suspended Mayor Jerald Sanders, the Town Hall had been closed to council members Simmons and Luongo.

Simmons told the Chronicle that this makes it difficult for her and Luongo to serve their constituents.

Until suspended mayor Jerald Sanders was indicted on embezzlement charges, he and the town clerk had exclusive control of Town Hall, Simmons said.

A Lexington County grand jury has charged Sanders with embezzling more than $8,000 in town funds.

He is expected to be tried in Lexington County as his attorneys say they don’t plan to seek trial elsewhere.

Court administration has not scheduled a trial date.