Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interagency Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Commerce for Coronavirus Relief Funds
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Approve a resolution authorizing an Interagency Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Commerce for Coronavirus Relief Funds for Local Governments and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an Interagency Agreement between the City of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Commerce for Coronavirus Relief Funds for Local Governments and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Federal Government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020, to provide immediate relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act provided more than $2.2 trillion of federal funding. Of that, $150 billion was distributed to states, the District of Columbia, tribal governments, and territories. Washington State received $2.167 billion dollars based on population.
Governor Inslee announced that nearly $300 million of the CARES funding would be awarded to local governments who did not receive direct distributions from the Federal Government. The funds are being distributed by the U.S. Treasury Department through the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce). The City of Olympia was officially notified by Commerce on May 20, that we received an award of $1,583,100 and encouraged to immediately enter into an agreement to expedite the distribution of funds.
Funding is available through a reimbursable-style grant. The City can submit for reimbursement for eligible costs that have been incurred between March 1, 2020 through October 31, 2020 once an agreement is in place. There are six (6) primary eligible cost categories:
1. Medical expenses like emergency medical response expenses.
2. Public health expenses like medical and protective supplies, including sanitation and personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. Payroll expenses for public employees dedicated to COVID-19 like public safety, human services, and economic development.
4. Expenses to facilitate compliance with COVID-19 measures like telework capabilities for public employees.
5. Economic support in connection with the public health emergency
6. Other COVID-19 related expenses that are reasonable and necessary.
Funds may not be used to replace a shortfall in revenue.
Staff is identifying eligible expenses that have been incurred since March 1, 2020 and will be prepared to seek reimbursement once the contract is in place.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This Interagency Agreement will allow the City to recover expenses incurred that were unplanned yet necessary to respond to the immediate needs of our local businesses, residents, and the general public.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution allowing staff to enter into a contract with Commerce to seek reimbursement for eligible expenses related to COVID-19.
2. Direct staff to make changes to the Resolution. Staff will update the Resolution and return to Council at a future date.
3. Do not approve the Resolution. The City will not be able to seek reimbursement for incurred expenses related to COVID-19.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement