Item:
Title
Authorize Project Category Realignments Within US Treasury-Designated Categories for ARPA Fund Use and Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00102 Appropriating $533,307 of General Fund Fund Balance and Recognizing $1,497,764 of ARPA Interest Earned Within the General Fund to Establish a $2,031,071 General Fund Budget for ARPA-Approved Projects
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 29, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to make category realignments within US Treasury-designated categories for previously approved ARPA projects as needed. These adjustments will not impact the funding amounts utilized for approved projects or the availability of funding for grantees or contractors but will instead allow County staff to maximize operational efficiencies for ARPA grant management. This action would also authorize staff to reclassify grants as contracts where necessary and in compliance with federal requirements, including amending existing contractual language as needed, thus reducing the administrative burden for funds management. The Board is also asked to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00102 establishing a budget totaling $2,031,071 funded by current year and previous year interest income to support ARPA-related projects. Staff will provide an ARPA grant update during the May 8, 2024, work session.
In March 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Of the $1.9 trillion package, Durham County received $62,445,275. Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024. In addition, all funds must be expended to cover obligations, and all work must be completed by December 31, 2026. This ARPA funding, a transformative investment in the Durham community, holds the potential to leverage resources from other local, state, and federal dollars, thereby optimizing the potential overall community impact and paving the way for a brighter future.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Goal 5: Efficient, Accountable and Visionary Government
Resource Persons: Claudia Hager, Deputy County Manager; John Keefer, County Grants Administrator
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve project category realignments within US Treasury-designated categories for ARPA fund use. This approval will also authorize staff to amend contracts from a subrecipient grant to a traditional contract. The Board is also asked to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00102 appropriating $533,307 of General Fund fund balance and recognizing $1,497,764 of FY 2023-24 ARPA interest earned within the General Fund to establish a $2,031,071 General Fund budget for ARPA-approved projects. An additional additional $39,652 in interest income will be appropriated in the FY 2024-25 budget, bringing the total to $2,070,723 for both fiscal years.
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Signature
County Manager: ____________________________