Minutes 06-03-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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9 Bonnie Hammersley said yes, and that Travis Myren will go over the different approaches staff has worked on for using the ARPA money. She said the Commissioners will make the final decision. She said the request from Department Directors was over $40 million, and management prioritized funding for safety net services. Chair Price clarified that the County can plan for the whole $28 million, but will only have half to spend this year. Bonnie Hammersley said all of the ARPA money does not have to be spent until December 31, 2024. She said one of the reasons the deadline is so far out, is because the funds can be used for revenue replacement, but staff will not know if that is needed until all of the revenues are received at the end of each year. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is $14 million available for this fiscal year. Bonnie Hammersley said yes. Commissioner Dorosin said this recommended budget does not include all that money. Bonnie Hammersley said correct, and she only found $3.2 million in permissible uses for this budget. Commissioner Dorosin said the amendments proposing the use of ARPA money would not cut other recommended items in the budget and would not impact the tax rate increase. Bonnie Hammersley said that is correct, but reiterated that these are one-time funds. Commissioner Dorosin said he would have put in some other amendments if he had understood that earlier. He said his understanding of the budget has always been if one wanted to add something, it had to be offset with cuts elsewhere, unless the tax rate went up enough to cover both. Bonnie Hammersley said his approach is correct under normal circumstances, and noted the availability of ARPA money has made things a little different this year. Chair Price said there was no guidance on ARPA until late May, so it made it difficult to plan far in advance. Bonnie Hammersley said there will be even more guidance coming. Commissioner Greene said the Treasury Department is in the process of receiving public comment. She said this year is confusing to her as well. She said her first thought was for the $70,000 for Durham Tech's Small Business Center to come out of Article 46, as ARPA is only one time, and at least Article 46 is a recurring sales tax. She asked if there is a plan or thoughts to keep positions funded with ARPA money going after one year. Bonnie Hammersley said if it is approved, it would be annual. She said it may be possible to use ARPA money, until there is no more at the end of 2024. She said hopefully there is a recovery, and it would probably be put on Article 46 at that time. Commissioner McKee said Commissioner Greene's question is exactly what he asked Durham Tech president today, but he did not get an answer. Chair Price said the Manager's thought makes sense, and hopefully after three years there will be a recovery, and enough taxes are generated to continue to cover the position. The Commissioners proceeded with explaining their amendments: Commissioner Dorosin said almost all of the departments in the County were required to cut operational expenditures by 5%. He said given the reduction in SROs, jail population, and ongoing conversations about Criminal Justice resource division, it seems reasonable the Sheriff's department should also do the 5% operational cut. Commissioner Fowler asked if the Sheriff is present to comment. Bonnie Hammersley said the Sheriff is not on the call, but will be present on June 8. Chair Price said she would like to know the impact as well. She said the Sheriff provides public safety, and needs may have increased in other ways, and she would like to know what sacrifices would have to be made to achieve this cut. Bonnie Hammersley said all departments will be available on June 8 for any questions.