DOVER — Continuing his effort to ensure the city receives more money from the American Rescue Plan Act, Mayor Robin Christiansen might be filing a federal lawsuit.

“I will advise the (City) Council that, based on the information we received this afternoon, I will be looking for your blessing — if we do not receive what I believe and the city manager believes are the appropriate funds for our city from these relief monies — to file a federal lawsuit to tie these folks up,” Mayor Christiansen said during a Monday council meeting.

He said it’s “not conscionable” that a city the size of Newark or Middletown would receive more funding than Dover would.

“If that’s bullish on my part, then I think we need to be bullish on the part of our citizens and take some federal action,” he said. “If we take what we get and go off in a corner, then shame on us. I don’t plan on taking what they give us and sitting in the corner.”

City Manager Randy Robertson said Dover received new figures Monday from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, saying its amount might increase to the “$8 million range.”

Previously, the city was eligible for $6.9 million from the ARPA.

“Our numbers have gotten better from what we saw the first time,” he said.

In March, it was reported that Newark was on tap to receive $17.1 million, with Middletown in the $11.5 million range.

The city manager said he’s been in contact with U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper, both D-Del., to “voice concerns” over the latest figures. A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., confirmed Friday that her office is working on the issue and will continue to assist the capital city.

“We still contend that the numbers are off — if it’s based on a population-based figure rather than (Community Development Block Grant) previous distributions,” Mr. Robertson said.

The $1.9 trillion ARPA, signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, is divided up to cities and towns based on a formula used to determine CDBG funding — a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that finances local community growth. County aid is decided by population.

As of 2019, the U.S. Census estimated Dover’s population at 38,166, Middletown’s at 18,869 and Newark’s at 33,515.

Mr. Robertson also voiced concerns over how the money can be used.

“There is still no guidance as it relates to how the allocations will be given other than these broad generalities. No percentages and no definitions ... have been offered by the Treasury,” he said.

Councilman David Anderson was the only member of council to address the topic during the Monday meeting. He thanked Mayor Christiansen for his “dogged pursuit” of more funds for the city.

“I’m sure he’ll receive the support of many others,” Councilman Anderson said.