But I would say that anybody who falls in that (COVID hardship) category could be eligible.. Lieberman also proposes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour for county employees. For the law enforcement fund, the millage rate would reduce from 3.7240 mills to 3.5678 mills. The new positivity rate in Alachua County dropped from 30.7% to 27.3%. The $46.9 million in relief funds comes from the federal governments CARES Act, but Alachua County will receive the funds in quarters, starting with $11.7 million to be used for the next six months. COVID-19 Community Resource Portal This Portal is a partnership of local governments, first responders, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofits, and many others. The commission agreed to schedule a special meeting in the future to delve into those details and focus its discussion on how the city willspend the American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Its the constant reevaluation of the criteria that were using to make sure that we get it to as many people as possible in the time thats allotted, she said. The American Rescue Plan provides $10 billion to state and Tribal governments to fund small business credit expansion initiatives. The countys revenue from both gas sales and the bed tax, a tax hotels and temporary lodgings charge travelers, was significantly reduced at the end of the 2020 fiscal year and beginning of the 2021 fiscal year, said Tommy Crosby, Assistant County Manager. The commission did not discussdetails of who would be eligible for the utility assistance, such as anyone who is simply past due on their utilitybills or only those who have asked for a COVID hardship payment plan in the past who still owe money. The Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted Thursday to spend $5.6 million on a partial restoration . The county will hire a third-party consultant, Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC, to assist the county in managing and tracking fund disbursements. In addition to ARP ESSER, the ARP Act includes $3 billion for special education, $850 million for the Outlying Areas, $2.75 billion to support non-public schools, and additional funding for homeless children and youth, Tribal educational agencies, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. Public health expenses include an initial $2 million in funding for purchasing protective equipment for health workers and disinfecting public facilities (including nursing homes). All rights reserved. COVID19 Economic Relief Assistance for Small Businesses Assistance for Small Businesses The COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic crisis have created a variety of challenges for small, micro, and solo businesses in communities across the country. GRUdid not have readily available the exact dollar figureof what is owed by only those city customers who had requested COVID hardship relief in the past, Warm said in a text message on Tuesday. A little over $3 million will be used for facilitating compliance with county health measures. At the House level, the bill passed 220-211, with every Republican and one Democrat voting against itbefore being signed into law by President Joe Biden. If not expended by October 30, 2020, this amount shall be redistributed to other categories. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. After the first round of applications are reviewed, it could take up to two weeks until the funding is distributed. What's behind the shortages of Adderall, Ozempic and other meds? Pandemic funds: 37 local nonprofits would receive federal pandemic grants under recommendation, Housing: As pandemic subsides, Alachua County's workforce is back but employers still staffing up, Development rejection: Alachua County Planning Commission votes down proposed development at West End Golf Club. Coverage of the coronavirus pandemic on Health News Florida. Alachua Board of County Commissioners / The Florida Channel The Alachua County Commission met via zoom Tuesday. Bread of the Mighty Food Banks mobile pantryprogram will get $477,534; Catholic Charities' homeless prevention program will see$409,270;Peaceful Paths domestic violence program will get $491,000. In order to be eligible for the additional funds, it must use up this portion first. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Inc. - $10,000, Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation - $750,000, North Central Florida YMCA, Inc. - $300,000, Pace Center for Girls, Inc. Alachua - $300,000, Rebuilding Together North Central Florida - $20,000, River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding - $98,400, University of Florida Mobile Outreach Clinic - $300,000. Medical expenses will receive $2 million initially, with $1.25 million reserved for the Alachua County Department of Healths contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists and other medical staff. Ten applicants were left off entirely, due to low priority scores, insufficient filing information or creating new services not previously established prior to the pandemic. This makes Alachua County one of just five communities state-wide to use 100% of their first round of funds; totaling $7 million. Distribution will just be paused to make sure that each of the smaller perhaps less technology driven areas have a chance to get their applications in an processed.. With documented loss of profits or employees remaining on payroll during closure, small businesses of 25 employees or less can receive up to $10,000 in aid, while medium businesses of 25 to 50 employees can receive up to $15,000. Their funds have not been distributed yet. The most reliable way I think we have to get the money to the people who are in the greatest need is not via the filter of a business its through an inpiduals ability to demonstrate, I havent been able to pay my rent in three months, because I lost my job on March 17, he said. Officials also voted to discuss how to spend and split a remaining$18,000 pot of money between the organizations at next week's general policy meeting. Citizens can apply for up to $5,000. Medical expenses will receive $2 million initially, with $1.25 million reserved for the Alachua County Department of Healths contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists and other medical staff. 20% of this will be available during the first round of the countys CARES Act funding. About $2.7 million went to small businesses, $6.3 million went to government agencies, about $2.7 million went to nonprofit organizations conducting COVID-19 aid and about $11 million went to the countys COVID-19 relief efforts. Id like to see this expedited because that flood of evictions is going to hit us any day, she said. I would imagine those folks would definitely qualify on the list, he said. The community level of Covid-19 in Alachua County is low based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the most recent update from the C.D.C. However, only the first $2,500 will be guaranteed; the remaining aid that people apply for will be disbursed as it becomes available as funds are reevaluated and reallocated. During the first round of funding, only $2,500 of the total $5,000 will be available to each household. Resident June King is a program recipient who said she had COVID-19 for six months working as a nurse but is now searching for a new home. Thomas is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org. This pages tracks the history of coronavirus cases in Alachua County, both recent and all-time. Frequently Asked Questions Ask a Question or Request Assistance Report an Emergency Order Violation Applicants must be permanent Alachua County residents and show proof of financial strains. According to the budget document, this would be only the third time in the last 40 years that the millage rate dipped under eight mills.. Alachua County Public Schools on Tuesday announced its efforts to bridge the digital divide with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which could potentially provide enough funding. The county will receive $52 million in aid, and is in the process of planning how it will be spent. Its purpose is to serve all residents of Alachua County. $500,000 local share of FEMA expenses for county, municipalities, and constitutional officer non-payroll expenses responding to COVID-19. The other $750,000 will be allocated to things like expansion of testing sites and emergency transport costs. "It was a priority of this commission thatmoney be distributed directly to our local nonprofit agencies because A:they have a relationship and proven track record with serving folks in the community that needs it most and B:they can do things the city simply can not," Poe said. Alachua County will disburse $46.9 million in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief, and according to a new budget plan, property taxes in the county could soon be lowered, too. Listen below: Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman outlined CARES Act distribution during Tuesdays first special meeting, and then introduced the countys fiscal year 2021 tentative budget during the second meeting. As part of our ongoingoversee and regularly report on this The Big Picture Six COVID-19 relief laws enacted in 2020 and 2021 provided about $4.6 trillion of funding for pandemic response and recovery. Web crawl space door kit; Home alachua county covid relief fund crawl space creepers. Alachua requested about $200,000 and has received about $35,000. The increased construction in the area has also allowed the county to generate more revenue via property taxes, Sexton said. At the moment, we have cash on hand to get us through June.". We particularly need to hear from the families of students who dont have access to the internet at home, either because they lack a device, connectivity, or both, Johnson said in a news release. However, these rates are merely the county managers recommendation; the county commission is tasked with setting the tentative millage rates during its July 14 meeting. Another $3.3 million will be used for compliance with public health-related measures. You're Shoring Up Your Hom. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, delivers $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. $1,250,000 allocated to the Alachua County Department of Health for contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists, and related support staff for testing, tracing, case management, and containment of COVID-19. A majority of those funds about 72% are for Gainesville-based businesses. New applications for the program close in about a week. The 2022 fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sep. 30, 2022. Heres a breakdown of how the money is likely to be dispersed: individuals, $21.8 million; businesses, $2.8 million, not-for-profit assistance, $2.3 million; county government, $2.3 million; other government entities, $7.7 million; administration $2.4 million. A total of $21.1 million is set aside for individual and household assistance. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The application for the Alachua County Cares Act is now live. Documented lost profit from required closure, Documented employees (non-owner/family) remaining on payroll while on required closure. In July 2020 the county received $46 million from the CARES Act. Jim Harriot, deputy county manager for public works and growth management, said the county is already looking into the costs of adding ionization technology in the HVAC system, which has been used elsewhere to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rest of the funds are split among residents living in other municipalities. Among those who got the most money and maximum allowed are theNeighborhood Housing andDevelopment Corporation'saffordable housing program and Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungrys support for Grace Marketplace, each receiving $750,000. $250,000 crisis intervention from trauma as a result of COVID-19. But which customers may or may not qualify for the utility financial assistance is still a question mark, officials said. Tenants have to be at or below 80% of the average median income for Alachua County which is at $39,000 yearly for one person. The money set aside made up nearly a quarter of the $32 million Gainesville received from theAmerican Rescue Plan Act. With documented loss of profits or employees remaining on payroll during closure, small businesses of 25 employees or less can receive up to $10,000 in aid, while medium businesses of 25 to 50 employees can receive up to $15,000. The $46.9 million in relief funds comes from the federal governments CARES Act, but Alachua County will receive the funds in quarters, starting with $11.7 million to be used for the next six months. May 1The Community Foundation of Frederick County is accepting online applications for music instruction scholarships through May 31. Countys running out of funds doesnt mean the program is over, said April Shuping with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA firm. Lieberman also proposed lowering the property tax millage rate, the countys largest revenue source, from 7.8935 to 7.8662. According to Lieberman, these initial funds must be spent before the county can receive the next set of funds. Outside of federal funding,local philanthropists' donations anda portion of funds from a Gatorade trust to help cover operating costs, Bailes said Cade has little local support and hasbeen in danger of closure, cutbacks and layoffs. The CARES Act established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund. Public health expenses include an initial $2 million in funding for purchasing protective equipment for health workers and disinfecting public facilities (including nursing homes). And that priority is reflected in this budget.. How GoFundMe Works; Why . RELATED STORY: Families in need can receive up to $15,000 for rental assistance in Alachua County. Invent possible program. We would like to continue funding the monthly payments until the funding is exhausted for those who are in the program today and we think thats coming up soon. The budget will be the subject of deliberation by county commissioners with two final hearings in September. "Until last week, when our federal employee payroll tax credit was received, we were planning as if we would have to significantly modify our operations to make it through next week's payroll. However, these rates are merely the county managers recommendation; the county commission is tasked with setting the tentative millage rates during its July 14 meeting. Should the proposal be adopted, funds will go toward projects such as developing a new administration building, providing affordable housing and land conservation. Thank goodness we have the ERAP money there, said County Commissioner, Mary Alford. The fiscal year 2021 budget plan will be publicly discussed and amended by the board of county commissioners for the next two months, culminating in its adoption on Sept. 22. Students in kindergarten through 11th grade . Despite the pandemic, a rise in Alachua County unemployment and a slow year for the local tourism industry, the Alachua County Managers proposed budget for the 2022 fiscal year showed an increase in revenue and spending. Included in the Act was the creation of the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which provided $150 billion in direct assistance across the nation to State, territorial, local, and Tribal governments. Or, businesses of 50 employees or less can receive up to $10,000 through a back-to-work grant with documented efforts to reemploy furloughed or laid-off workers. https://www.wuft.org/news/files/2020/07/budget-audio-narration.mp3, Florida LGBTQ+ lawmaker to GOP: Im literally trying to exist, Eighth Circuit Court Judge Sean Brewer sworn in at investiture ceremony, Gainesville city commissioners seek clarity about Ironwood Golf Course finances, Gainesville City Commission votes to partially restore Boltin Center, Clinics Say Privacy Clause Protects Abortion Rights, Six former Florida Gators selected during NFL Draft, Hurricane Preparedness Week begins in Florida, The Point, May 1, 2023: Lawmakers approve change to resign-to-run law. The states just starting to spend their ERAP 2 money. Alachua County will disburse $46.9 million in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief, and according to a new budget plan, property taxes in the county could soon be lowered, too. The county received 9,838 applications from county residents. Despite a year where the Covid-19 pandemic was a dominant theme, the Alachua County budget will increase nearly $78 Million from 2020. Rental assistance program funds are expected to run out in April. So far 3,450 have been accepted and 2,830 denied. Alachua County posts Cares Act Grant application link, Application is now live for the Alachua County Cares Act Grant, Rent, mortgage, utility, internet, phone and car payment assistance, Daycare assistance for school-aged children, if school attendance is limited, Documented issue related to COVID-19 (i.e. Alachua County Public Schools on Tuesday announced its efforts to bridge the digital divide with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which couldpotentially provide enough funding to give thousands of students take-home laptops with built-in internet connections or hotspots. The funds would go to Three Rivers Legal Services, a nonprofit legal firm the cityalready has under contract. UF Faculty and Students Protest the lack of Covid Protections, 37 local nonprofits would receive federal pandemic grants under recommendation, As pandemic subsides, Alachua County's workforce is back but employers still staffing up, Alachua County Planning Commission votes down proposed development at West End Golf Club, Gainesville for All's planned family learning center, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry - $750,000, Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition - $115,028, Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs, Inc., d/b/a ACORN Clinic - $64,598, Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention - $10,000, Catholic Charities Gainesville - $409,270, CDS, Family & Behavioral Health Services - $138,154, Family Promise of Gainesville, Florida, Inc. - $268,520, FL Institute for Workforce Innovation, d/b/a Project YouthBuild - $422,522, Food4Kids Backpack Program of North Florida, Inc. - $20,000, Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association, d/b/a Aces In Motion - $20,000, Gainesville Community Counseling Center - $284,698, Gainesville Housing Development and Management Corporation - $20,000, Girls on the Run of Alachua County - $20,000, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. - $151,773, Mt. Its been interesting because early on when we started projecting what the effect of a global pandemic was going to be, there was a great deal of doom and gloom, Sexton said, But the states budget this year was actually the largest budget theyve ever passed.. Another $443,521 will go to Episcopal Children's ServicesHead Start Center program in east Gainesvillethat would provideearly learning for children from low-income families. City funding plans create opportunity, risk, Alachua County evictions are on the rise, with 188 cases still open, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. According to Lieberman, these initial funds must be spent before the county can receive the next set of funds. Example: Modification to Air Handling System, and inmates per pod / cell. Shuping said that makessense because, similarly to the individual applications, a greater number of businesses are located within Gainesville city limits than elsewhere in the county. Equestrian show jumper from Central Florida dies during a competition. 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, Copyright 2023 Florida Department of Financial Services. Even though the county has been able to increase its, WUFT 89.1 / 90.1 Featured Thank you Gifts. In total, 178,738 people have been vaccinated, that makes up 69% of the eligible. In response to the economic downturn, she recommended roll back rates for the countys general tax fund and the Municipal Services Taxing Units law enforcement fund. $2 million for Medical Expenses $1,250,000 allocated to the Alachua County Department of Health for contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists, and related support staff for testing, tracing, case management, and containment of COVID-19. About $2.3 million total is expected to be allocated to some 22 local nonprofits. This would ultimately result in a difference of $504,226 in comparison to the funds projected revenue for this fiscal year. $750,000 allocated to other medical expenses to include, but not be limited to: Expansion of testing sites and capabilities, Example: Tents with climate mitigation, testing kits, additional sites, Example: Decontamination units, overtime due to quarantine issues, drug costs, $1 million for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical supplies for public health and safety workers, Example: Masks, face shields, gowns, and similar items, $250,000 for disinfecting of public areas and facilities such as nursing homes, Example: Aerosol units, spray systems, and disinfecting products, $250,000 for quarantining health care and public safety officers, Example: First responders, law enforcement officers, and health personnel, $250,000 for preparing public buildings to serve customers. But most commissioners support utility debt forgiveness, with the following recommended expenditures: Gail Johnson, $1 million; Hayes-Santos, $3 million,Poe, $2 million; Saco $1 million;David Arreola, $750,000; and Ward, $1million. billion: $5.86 billion was deposited into the State Treasury as General Revenue and approximately $2.47 billion was allocated to 12 of the largest counties directly by the U.S. Treasury. Alachua County Budget Increasing By Nearly $78 Million, Despite the pandemic, a rise in Alachua County. Because I received ERAP, I was kind of discriminated against since then, said King. More:City funding plans create opportunity, risk, More:Alachua County evictions are on the rise, with 188 cases still open. County Manager Michele Lieberman said the money will help the local health department add 38 additional employees to assist in the pandemic response. It is clear to me that building and nurturing strong partnerships within our community is a commission priority, Lieberman said. This would guarantee that staffing level for at least the six-month period that we can provide funding, she said. The deadline to complete the survey is May 13 with the hope that devices will be ready for distribution by the start of next school year. Five-year-old Parker Kay was among the first young children to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine in Alachua County last Sunday. The other $750,000 will be allocated to things like expansion of testing sites and emergency transport costs. The scholarships are funded by The Sperry L. Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund and The Guss Family Scholarship Fund for the Arts, two of more than 770 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Here is a breakdown from the County on where the funds will be going: 1. Alachua County will receive 25%. Lieberman also unveiled the countys tentative budget plan for the fiscal year 2021, which was significantly influenced by the economic fallout of COVID-19. This is the overwhelming funding, going into this category, said Lieberman. Alachua County will disburse $46.9 million in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief, and according to a new budget plan, property taxes in the county could soon be lowered, too. 4182 Federal Register/Vol. Up to $15,000 total 4. Last Thursday, the commission agreed to spend up to $250,000 for COVID utility assistance and $500,000 for legal help to prevent people from being evicted. furloughed / laid off). Coronavirus Relief Fund Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the CARES Act provides for payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. In response to the economic downturn, she recommended roll back rates for the countys general tax fund and the Municipal Services Taxing Units law enforcement fund. Of this amount, the State of Florida was allocated $8.4 The county has been able to increase its budget largely due to the quickly increasing property values in the area, said Mark Sexton, Alachua County communications and legislative affairs director. The county is responsible for ensuring that the CARES Act funds are used for necessary expenditures incurred due to COVID-19. Why an Arizona County Turned Down $1.9 Million in Covid Relief Two Republican supervisors voted to reject the federal money, frustrating health care workers in rural Cochise County. County residents can now click HERE to apply for the grant. Last year Alachua County managed to complete various community projects amid the pandemic including the Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center in Newberry, the UF/IFAS Extension building and Cuscowilla Nature Park and Retreat. If local news is important to you, consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Gainesville Sun. WUSF is reporting on how distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine exposes inequities in Floridas health care system. That could include families that dont have enough technology resources for all the students in their household., Biden signs $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, Marking a year of loss and disruption, President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the $1.9 trillion relief package that he says will help the U.S. defeat the coronavirus and nurse the economy back to health. $7.5 million for Small Business Relief Grants 25 employees and less, 3. More than $13.6 million has been distributed to nearly 3,500 peopleand households so far, saidApril Shuping, a partner with Carr Riggs & Ingram, which is leadingthe application process. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Poe said we did not specify that when asked which customers would first get the utility assistance, but he pointed out that Gainesville Regional Utilities staff is compiling a list of those who have requested COVID relief in the past. The next phase of COVID-19 financial assistance comes through the American Rescue Plan. Commissioners decided inpiduals will be able to apply for up to $5,000 (per household), a jump up from the plans initial proposal of $2,500. Copyright 2022 WCJB. 2023 www.gainesville.com. Others expressed frustration with the smaller $20,000 and $10,000 grants received. Under the countys plan, eligible households may receive up to $5,000 to cover rent or mortgage, car, utility, phone and internet payments they are unable to cover. Small retail, salons, non-essential businesses, daycares, etc. Archer also requested $58,000, Hawthorne $21,600 and Waldo $14,400. $800,000 maintaining the county jail, including as relates to sanitation and improvement of social distancing measures, to enable compliance with COVID-19 public health precautions. A Governor has wide discretion in determining the entities in the State that will receive GEER funds. Coronavirus Relief Fund Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the CARES Act provides for payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. About $2.5 million is left over for any other eligible expenses. This includes $800,000 for sanitation and health improvements in the county jail, $500,000 for staff to enforce public ordinances, $500,000 for the homeless populations housing and medical needs and $500,000 for food delivery programs. part time jobs from 7pm to 11pm near me,
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