Subject:
Title
Request for reallocated Emergency Rental Assistance funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator to submit the request for reallocated Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) funds to the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury).
• The Treasury has issued reallocation guidance for ERA2 funds not expended by grantees. As a grantee, the County has met and exceeded the 50% expenditure ratio requirement to be eligible to request reallocated funds.
• When feasible, Treasury intends to reallocate excess funds from a grantee to another grantee within the same state.
• The amount of funding requested must be based on need and the grantees’ ability to spend the funds in August, September, October, and November.
• The recommended amount of funds to be requested is $2,100,000.00 based on the average monthly spending rate for the program for tenants in all areas of the County, outside of the City of St. Petersburg. The City is making a separate request for reallocated funds.
• Notification of the availability to apply for reallocated funds was distributed on July 5, 2022, with a submittal deadline of Friday, July 22, 2022.
• This item will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for ratification at a future BCC meeting.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and
public outreach.
Summary:
The Treasury is now accepting applications for additional ERA2 funds. Funds that have not been spent by the statutory deadline are available for reallocation to grantees that have obligated at least 50% of their own initial ERA2 allocations. Pinellas County has exceeded this threshold and is eligible. When feasible, Treasury intends to reallocate excess funds from a grantee to another grantee in the same state. The request form requires applicants to confirm the need for such funds and to provide estimates of the number of households to be assisted and the amount of funds that the grantee can spend in the months of August, September, October, and November. Priority will be given to grantees that have expended non-ERA funds for rental assistance in an amount exceeding 20% of their initial ERA2 allocation. The County does not meet this criterion.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County implemented the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in March of 2021. Pinellas County received $21,421,281.80 of ERA1 and $24,395,835.40 of ERA2 funding. The program was closed to new applications on May 25, 2022. All ERA1 funds have been expended. Remaining ERA2 funds budgeted for rental assistance are estimated to be expended by the end of August 2022.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the County for submission of this grant application
Delegated Authority:
The grant amount exceeds the Authority for the County Administrator to approve under Code Section 2-62 (a)(4). To meet the application deadline, retroactive Board approval by will be sought at the earliest available BCC meeting date. This item will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for ratification at a future BCC meeting.
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Attachments: