Item:
Title
Budget Amendment Ordinance No. 21BCC000092 Transferring $24,000 for Continued Housing of COVID+ Homeless Individuals
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: February 22, 2021
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to review and approve Budget Amendment Ordinance No. 21BCC000092 transferring $24,000 across Functional Areas to allow for continued housing of COVID+ homeless individuals.
In April 2020, near the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, the County began providing safer, non-congregate housing options for many homeless individuals in Durham, particularly those associated with Urban Ministries of Durham. As some in our homeless population began to test positive, and recognizing the need to limit further spread, the County (and community) realized that COVID+ homeless individuals needed their own, safe housing options where they could safely wait out their quarantine and be provided with some of the necessary supports (food, medical checks, etc.). In early July, the County executed a contract with Bergman Rentals (DBA Southern Repair Service) for two duplexes containing 14 beds. The initial contract expired at the end of December but was extended through the end of February to allow time for a full RFP process to be conducted.
The first RFP yielded no valid proposals, so after some discussion the County opted to re-bid the opportunity, offering some technical assistance to potential bidders. Proposals were due on Feb. 16th. This new RFP yielded one valid proposal (from the same provider who has been providing the duplexes since July 2020), which the review committee reviewed on Feb. 17th. The committee recommended negotiating with the bidder, which was done and which resulted in a number of facility improvements as well as a savings to the County of approximately $2,400 per month. Those revised terms are reflected in the attached contract. The contract runs March 1st through June 30th, the soonest that 100% FEMA reimbursement will expire. It is not to exceed $24,000, will be housed in the Office of Emergency Services, and will be executed by the Emergency Services Director.
Funds that were set aside at the outset of FY 2020-21 Budget are being used to cover this expenditure. The remaining balance of $18,177 is being used from the original COVID set aside funds, and an additional $5,823 is coming from the funds that were reserved for the economic uncertainty in revenue and expenditure needs captured from the hiring freeze. The need for a Budget Amendment is due to the adoption of the Budget Ordinance at the Functional Area level and this expense is being budgeted to be paid out of the Public Safety Function.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Providing safe housing options for COVID+ homeless individuals primarily aligns with Goal 2 of the Durham County Strategic Plan, but also goals 1 and 3.
Resource Persons: Drew Cummings, Chief of Staff and director of the EOC Homeless Support Task Force and Food Security Task Force
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board review and approve Budget Amendment Ordinance No. 21BCC000092 transferring $24,000 across Functional Areas to allow for continued housing of COVID+ homeless individuals.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________