To: Board of Supervisors
From: Monica Nino, County Administrator
Report Title: FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION ON THE USE OF COVID-19 FEMA RESERVE FUNDS, INCLUDING FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESSES
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. ALLOCATE funding to each Supervisorial District office to conduct community engagement processes related to the allocation of former COVID-19 FEMA Reserve funds appropriated as Appropriation for Contingencies within the General Fund in fiscal year 2025-26;
2. DETERMINE a date to return to the Board for further discussion about the allocation of funds; and
3. RECEIVE update on outstanding allocations of rapid rehousing, food insecurity and rental assistance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
On June 24, 2025, the Board indicated a desire to allocate $1 million per District from COVID-19 FEMA Reserve funds (now General Fund Appropriation for Contingencies) for direction by each District Supervisor following a community engagement process within each Supervisorial District.
Today's action is seeking allocation of funds for each Supervisorial District to conduct community engagement processes to collect community feedback on the potential allocation of COVID-19 FEMA Reserve funds.
BACKGROUND:
Establishment of the COVID-19 FEMA Reserve
On April 22, 2024, the Board of Supervisors directed the County Administrator to claim $37,544,395 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) to offset a portion of the General Fund subsidy to the Hospital Enterprise Fund in FY23-24. In addition, the Board directed the County Administrator to take the following actions:
1. Include a General Fund Assigned1 Reserve designation in a like amount at the conclusion of FY23-24 in recognition of FEMA claims that have not yet been obligated or received and to return to the Board at least annually with an update as to the status of COVID-19 era FEMA Pub...
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