Subject:
Title
Resolution approving the Pinellas County American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Spending Plan.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the Pinellas County State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Spending Plan. The County’s SLFRF allocation will be used to fund proposed projects, a list of which is attached as Exhibit A to the resolution, now called the Spending Plan. The Spending Plan that is presented for consideration differs slightly from what was then called Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 at the November and December Board of County Commissioners (Board) Work Sessions in the timing of some projects.
Additional and ongoing projects will be brought to the Board for approval from time to time to allocate and reallocate the remaining funds. Additionally, staff will update the Board quarterly on the progress of the program.
The proposed Pinellas County SLFRF Spending Plan projects include, but are not limited to:
• Modernization of Human Services software and funding for implementation of the Coordinated Access Model for human services.
• Funding for the Sheriff’s Mental Health Squad.
• Construction of accessible outdoor recreational spaces and pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure in select neighborhoods that are Qualified Census Tracts or historically underserved.
• Reduction of nonpoint source pollution to waterbodies in and around the County through investments in sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
• Delivery of government services such as sidewalk improvements and augmenting the County’s cybersecurity posture.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to create and enhance a safe, secure, and healthy community
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
3.5 Foster a sustainable and resilient community that is prepared for sea level rise and a changing climate
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
This resolution approves the County’s SLFRF Spending Plan, as reflected in Exhibit A, and establishes that it is reasonably expected to meet the ARPA objectives of supporting urgent COVID-19 response efforts and bring the pandemic under control, replace lost public sector revenue, support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses; and, address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic on certain populations. The resolution also acknowledges that, where required by County processes, as contracts are entered into the carry out the projects, the contracts will be brought to the Board for approval. The resolution also acknowledges that the County’s SLFRF Spending Plan does not assign the County’s entire SLFRF allocation, and that future projects will be brought to the Board for approval.
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Background Information:
On May 10, 2021, Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Treasury also released details on how these funds can be used to respond to acute pandemic response needs, fill revenue shortfalls among these governments, and support the communities and populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
Treasury intends this relief to:
• Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control;
• Replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs;
• Support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses; and,
• Address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic on certain populations.
The Coronavirus SLFRF provide substantial flexibility for each jurisdiction to meet local needs, including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest-hit by the crisis. These funds also deliver resources that recipients can invest in building, maintaining, or upgrading their water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The Pinellas County Government’s Initial Recovery Plan is provided as an attachment to provide further context to connect the Spending Plan to the Treasury Department’s eligibility criteria.
Pinellas County is eligible to receive $189,381,543.00 from the SLFRF and 50% of the funding was received on August 12. The second 50% will be received no earlier than one year after receipt of the initial funds. All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and all funds expended by December 31, 2026. A new fund has been created within the County’s accounting structure to facilitate tracking and reporting of the expenditure of these funds.
Fiscal Impact:
Approved projects will be funded through ARPA and SLFRF funding. A total of $94,690,770.00 is appropriated in the FY22 Revised Budget for this purpose.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lara Wojahn, ARPA Program Manager, Office of Management & Budget
Chris Rose, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Partners:
Sheriff’s Department
Attachments:
Resolution with Exhibit A - Spending Plan