Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
28 <br /> A motion for a three-minute recess was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by <br /> Commissioner Hamilton, at 10:00 p.m. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price, to <br /> reconvene the meeting at 10:04 p.m. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 4. Discussion on County Departments' Requests for American Rescue Plan Act <br /> (ARPA) Funds <br /> The Board discussed approaches to allocate approximately$28.8 million in Federal <br /> American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the County is designated to receive over two <br /> draw down periods. <br /> Travis Myren reviewed the following information: <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> The Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides direct allocations to local <br /> governments. Orange County is designated to receive approximately$28.8 million. The first <br /> draw down of approximately $14.4 million was approved by the Board of Commissioners on a <br /> budget amendment on June 1, 2021. The second draw down will occur in twelve (12) months. <br /> ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and must be fully expended by <br /> December 31, 2026. <br /> The ARPA funds are intended to broadly address the negative impacts of the COVID-19 <br /> pandemic on individuals, government agencies, organizations, and small businesses. The <br /> Treasury Department has issued interim guidance on the use of ARPA funds for local <br /> governments. This guidance establishes five broad categories for potential investments: <br /> 1. Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical <br /> expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff; <br /> 2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including <br /> economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and <br /> the public sector; <br /> 3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to <br /> the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic; <br /> 4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who <br /> have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical <br /> infrastructure sectors; and, <br />