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22 <br /> Travis Myren said there is a long-term recovery plan that assessed needs, which is a <br /> joint, multi-jurisdictional effort. He said this plan lays out a variety of direct services and needs <br /> in the community, public and private, that could affect future allocations. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton echoed Commissioner Richards's concerns. She said it seems <br /> like in a pandemic, there would be more needs. She said the Board may be missing <br /> opportunities to get more funds to folks in need. She said the money was intended to help with <br /> recovery, and the Board should want to invest now. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton asked about the $150,000 going to the welcome center. She <br /> wanted to know how that fits with ARPA. She said it is not clear that using funds for promotional <br /> things is a good use. <br /> Travis Myren said the welcome center is an allowable use since it was impacted by the <br /> pandemic. He said the use of the funds would be for a marketing campaign, to get group <br /> activities back. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said group activities will help increase revenue, and there has been <br /> a significant loss of revenue in the hospitality industry. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said there are direct funds coming into the community for social <br /> services and foster care, and the funds being discussed in this item are in addition to those <br /> funds. She said the projects identified in Round 1 and Round 2 are clearly eligible expenses. <br /> She said the county is being cautious in spending to make sure that all projects are eligible <br /> uses. She said the guidelines are constantly changing, which can be frustrating. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said the Board will have the opportunity to make amendments to <br /> the recommended budget as part of the budget process in the spring. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said there are other funds coming into the community for workforce <br /> development. <br /> Commissioner Greene said the visitors' center took a large hit during the pandemic and <br /> it is a challenge to encourage people to come back to Chapel Hill. She said they are <br /> developing marketing campaigns. <br /> Commissioner Bedford referred to the housing helpline coordinated entry specialist, and <br /> asked if a position such as this would potentially be folded in to the regular budget funding <br /> when ARPA ends. <br /> Travis Myren said there will be some programs that will need to be sustained, and they <br /> may be integrated into future funding cycles. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said any positions funded with ARPA are time-limited positions and <br /> will be eliminated when ARPA funding ends. She said if the positions are needed to continue, <br /> she will find more funds. <br /> Travis said an example is the state is covering fees for early childcare payments. He <br /> said this will likely need to be extended, and is on the county's list for future ARPA funding, but <br /> is not needed right now. <br /> Chair Price said the hospitality center took a hit, and anything related to the creative arts <br /> took a hit. She said tourism is a big percentage of the local economy. She said places around <br /> the country are trying to reintroduce themselves, and the county needs to do something to <br /> boost the economy. <br /> Chair Price said she and the Mayors thought the long-term recovery plan could be <br /> presented at the Assembly of Governments meeting in January. <br /> Chair Price said NCACC received $10 million from the state to assist local governments <br /> with compliance. She said she would like for the Deputy County Manager to work with NCACC <br /> to see how they may be able to help. <br /> Chair Price referred to page 6, asked if staff could provide the percentage of the <br /> populations in each town and unincorporated areas requested housing assistance at a future <br /> meeting. <br />