Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board:
1) Accept $870,850.48 in funding from the United States Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF), to be distributed in two payments;
2) Authorize the Auditor-Controller to apply for and request El Dorado County's payments under the ARPA LATCF;
3) Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to execute the ARPA LATCF Award Terms and Conditions for Eligible Revenue Sharing County Governments; and
4) Authorize the Auditor-Controller to execute additional documents required for the application for, payment of, and implementation of ARPA LATCF funds, including any required reporting, upon approval by County Counsel.
FUNDING: American Rescue Plan Act Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which appropriated $750,000,000 to the United States Treasury in both federal fiscal years 2022 and 2023 ($1.5 billion total) to be paid to eligible counties in amounts that are determined by the Treasury, taking into account historical poverty rates, household income, land values, unemployment rates, and other factors.
Unlike the County’s initial allocation of ARPA funding, which has specific, restricted uses and timeframes; the ARPA Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) allocation may be used for any governmental purpose other than lobbying activity. There is no deadline to expend the funds; however, the County must submit an annual expenditure report to the Treasury until all funds have been expended.
El Dorado County's allocation is $435,425.24 for both federal fiscal years 2022 and 2023, for a total of $870,850.48.
The Chief Administrative Office recommends the Board authorize the Auditor-Controller to electronically apply for the funding and accept the associated terms and conditions.
Because the use of these funds is fully discretionary, with the exception of the prohibition of lobbying activities, it is recommended that during the upcoming Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget process, the funds be used to partially replenish the $5,000,000 in Excess General Fund Contingency authorized by the Board on December 6, 2022 for the Mosquito Fire debris removal (Item 22-2174).
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could give specific direction regarding the use of funds.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Auditor-Controller
County Counsel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item results in $870,850.48 in new discretionary funds, to be received over two years. These funds will be appropriated as part of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Tiffany Schmid, Assistant CAO