Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board adopt Policy A-23, titled "Grant Funding for Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Public Health Emergency."
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
As funding continues to be made available relative to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID), and additional funding is anticipated, it seems prudent to have a written policy regarding applying for, accepting and allocating those funds which is distinct from the general policy regarding grant funding (Board of Supervisors Policy A - 6). The primary reasons are to ensure the funds are used appropriately, to track all COVID-specific revenues and expenditures, and to ensure all required reporting on the use of funding received is timely and accurate.
The proposed policy authorizes Department Heads to apply for and accept program-specific funding where no County match is required, upon approval by the CAO and contingent upon review and approval of any required contracts by County Counsel. The policy also provides for a process for Departments to apply for centrally-administered funds through the Chief Administrative Office, subject to review by the Office of Emergency Services.
While much of the responsibility for determining whether to apply for and accept funds and to track and report expenditures rests with Department Heads, the policy requires the CAO to maintain an inventory of funds applied for and received, thus providing for some central oversight. The draft policy was circulated to all Departments for review, pursuant to Board of Supervisors Policy A -1, "Development and Distribution of Board of Supervisors Policies."
Based on current information, many of the funding streams require the funds to be expended by December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the policy is proposed to sunset on that date. The CAO and Departments will monitor the funding streams, and if extensions are granted the CAO will return to the Board with a recommendation to extend the policy.
ALTERNATIVES
If the proposed policy is not adopted, Policy A - 6 would apply, which requires Board of Supervisors acceptance of all grant funding in excess of $10,000.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Department Heads, County Counsel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adoption of the policy. If the policy is adopted, Departments may be able to accept and receive grant funds related to COVID sooner, as they would not have to wait for Board of Supervisors approval.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
The Board Clerk will format the policy and post it to the County website.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Don Ashton, CAO