Equestrian show jumper from Central Florida dies during a competition. News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. According to Lieberman, the funds will be shifted and reallocated to different programs and municipalities depending on need. Commissioner Saco said she expects a flood of upcoming local evictions in the coming weeks after a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ban on rental evictions expired last month. The next phase of COVID-19 financial assistance comes through the American Rescue Plan. After the first round of applications are reviewed, it could take up to two weeks until the funding is distributed. Alachua County Reveals Future COVID-19 Relief And Budget Plans, WUFT 89.1 / 90.1 Featured Thank you Gifts. The city of Gainesville is expected to receive more than $33.9 million in federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, with the first expenditures having been approved by the City Commission. The budget will be the subject of deliberation by county commissioners with two final hearings in September. $500,000 local share of FEMA expenses for county, municipalities, and constitutional officer non-payroll expenses responding to COVID-19. $2.5 million for any other COVID-19-related eligible expenses reasonably necessary to the function of government. But which customers may or may not qualify for the utility financial assistance is still a question mark, officials said. These actually align really closely with the populations, which is what wed expect, Shuping said. Rental assistance program funds are expected to run out in April. Commissioner Mary Alford also suggested using some additional funding to make improvements to the county administration building, which is being used more now than it had been for several months, since commission meetings have resumed a hybrid, online and in-person structure. According to Lieberman, these initial funds must be spent before the county can receive the next set of funds. Required by law to present a balanced budget, County Manager Michelle Liebermans budget proposal shows a budget increase of nearly $78 million for the 2022 fiscal year, including a $25 million increase in the general fund. County Manager Michele Lieberman said the money will help the local health department add 38 additional employees to assist in the pandemic response. 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. About $1 million will be available for the payroll expenses of county, municipal and constitutional officer employees working overtime in response to the pandemic. 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. 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. In Alachua County, there were 0 newly reported COVID-19 cases and 0 newly reported COVID-19 deaths on Apr 17, 2023. Nearly $21 million was given directly to citizens who had COVID-19-specific impacts, Sexton said. The county commissioners are breaking down the funds into six different categories ranging from individual assistance to business relief grants - with $21 million reserved for individuals on a first come, first serve basis. Other local government agencies that requested aid include the health department, which has requested $1.85 million that has not yet been dispersed; the school board, which has received $750,000 out of the $2.05 million requested and the sheriffs office, which has received nearly $200,000. Another $3.3 million will be used for compliance with public health-related measures. Alachua County will receive 25%. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The application for the Alachua County Cares Act is now live. 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. RELATED STORY: Families in need can receive up to $15,000 for rental assistance in Alachua County. Alachua County is on track to provide more than $39 million to local residents, businesses and organizations in need of coronavirus aid by the end of the year. Archer also requested $58,000, Hawthorne $21,600 and Waldo $14,400. 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. 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. 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.. For the law enforcement fund, the millage rate would reduce from 3.7240 mills to 3.5678 mills. But I would say that anybody who falls in that (COVID hardship) category could be eligible.. 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. 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. At the moment, we have cash on hand to get us through June.". "So I was $15,000 behind so ERAP really helped me out," said Alachua County resident, June King. By, New COVID variant of interest comes to Florida with a common allergy symptom: pinkeye, Abortion clinics urge Florida Supreme Court to maintain privacy clause protection, Quiet and parents' touch help the newborns of opioid users, a study shows. School Board gets aid, but crowding, HyFlex teaching remain sore spots, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Should the proposal be adopted, funds will go toward projects such as developing a new administration building, providing affordable housing and land conservation. 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 second round of ERAP funds is 65% used so far; with a total of $8 million. Local share of FEMA expenses for county, municipalities, and constitutional officer employees responding to COVID-19. The move comes as other districts could be enacting strict mask mandates due to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases as . 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.. And we are looking forward to tackling the challenges of the next year as we continue to build and strengthen partnerships because we are better together., Tags 2021 Budget 2022 2022 Budget Alachua County Budget Alachua County Comission budget CARES Act Property Value Increase, The Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted Thursday to spend $5.6 million on a partial restoration . Source: www.diychatroom.com. Of this amount, the State of Florida was allocated $8.4 The vast majority of the funding $36.1 million will be reserved for relief grants to individuals and businesses. Most municipalities also signed a subrecipient agreement with the county to receive their own aid money. The deadline for applications from individuals and businesses was Nov. 15 and funding must be used to cover finances lost due to the pandemic between March 1 and Dec. 30, 2020. The school district will send students home with a hard copy of a short survey with questions for parents to answer about their child's access to the internet and device. Denials are usually due to lack of documentation that an economic hardship was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During a board of county commissioners special meeting Tuesday, Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman unveiled disbursement plans for the countys COVID-19 relief funds and a tentative budget plan for the fiscal year 2021, which starts Oct. 1. The states just starting to spend their ERAP 2 money. Example: Social distancing markers, signage, modifying counter areas, etc. Citizens can apply for up to $5,000. Eligibility is reserved for residents who were furloughed or laid off, or those who need help making rent, utilities, internet, phone, or car payments from March 1 until now. for the 2022 fiscal year showed an increase in revenue and spending. Nora is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org. This is the category that really belongs to the citizens.. If local news is important to you, consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Gainesville Sun. Example: Modification to Air Handling System, and inmates per pod / cell. 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. 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 individuals ability to demonstrate, I havent been able to pay my rent in three months, because I lost my job on March 17, he said. For the countys general fund, which provides resources for most county departments and constitutional offices, the millage rate would be reduced from 8.2729 mills about $8.28 collected by the county for every $1,000 that a property is a worth to 7.8961 mills, or about $7.90 collected. Any new allocations announced by the Governor's Office or the Florida Legislature would not appear in these numbers until payments are actually I will make sure we are maxing out money to individuals even before giving it to businesses, he said. Its purpose is to serve all residents of Alachua County. 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. The county will receive $52 million in aid, and is in the process of planning how it will be spent. The state. Poe said its not likely that the $250,000 will be enough to cover the past-due amounts owed by those withCOVID hardships, but he supports increasing the assistance amount with the help of the federal funds. Alachua County Budget Increasing By Nearly $78 Million, Despite the pandemic, a rise in Alachua County. The county will hire a third-party consultant, Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC, to assist the county in managing and tracking fund disbursements. The other $750,000 will be allocated to things like expansion of testing sites and emergency transport costs. City helps nonprofits: Gainesville officials approve $7 million in pandemic relief to dozens of local nonprofits, County survey: Alachua County seeks community help to bridge digital divide by taking internet speed test, Textbook ban: School board approves 4 of 11 math textbooks after DeSantis' crackdown on critical race theory. Read more about the C.D.C.'s . The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program was approved by Congress as part of the rescue plan passed in 2021. 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. 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. Example: Overtime, additional staff, and law enforcement support. 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. COVID-19 Community Resource Portal This Portal is a partnership of local governments, first responders, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofits, and many others. The crawl space scooter is built with 1/4 high grade. The ERA2 program was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and provides $21.55 billion to assist eligible households with financial assistance, provide housing stability services, and as applicable, to cover the costs for other affordable rental housing and eviction prevention activities. 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. Alachua County Reveals Future COVID-19 Relief And Budget Plans By Thomas Weber July 8, 2020 Coronavirus, Government and politics Alachua County will disburse $46.9 million in CARES Act. So far 3,450 have been accepted and 2,830 denied. Alachua Board of County Commissioners / The Florida Channel The Alachua County Commission met via zoom Tuesday. How GoFundMe Works; Why . 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. This is the category that really belongs to the citizens.. In the meantime, Mayor Lauren Poe said Tuesday that this potential first round of financial utility assistance is already approved, and he urged people who have struggled to pay their utility bills due to the pandemic to contact Gainesville Regional Utilities about possibly getting assistance. Commissioner Mike Byerly said getting money into the pockets of laid off residents should be a priority. The county also received $17 million from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Sexton said. $21.1 million for Individual Assistance Grants, 2. The money is intended to help a host of organizations provide and increaseservices to area residentswork thatmay have been hindered during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 remaining $4.36 billion will be used by the State to cover COVID 19-related costs. Commissioners decided individuals will be able to apply for up to $5,000 (per household), a jump up from the plans initial proposal of $2,500. A little over $3 million will be used for facilitating compliance with county health measures. 2023 www.gainesville.com. $3.3 million for expenses of actions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures, 8. 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. The 2022 fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sep. 30, 2022. For the law enforcement fund, the millage rate would reduce from 3.7240 mills to 3.5678 mills. Vaccination rates continue to rise. Otherwise, I cant imagine where our community would be right now.. The new positivity rate in Alachua County dropped from 30.7% to 27.3%. furloughed / laid off). On March 27, Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established a new $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for state, county and municipal governments with populations of over 500,000 people to address necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health 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. 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. During the pandemic, Alachua County has also been the recipient of federal aid money. Thomas is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org. Saturday , April 22 2023 WUFT TV/FM 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. Most municipalities also signed a subrecipient agreement with the county to receive their own aid money. This website tracks only actual disbursements of the $5.86 billion deposited into the Florida Treasury. Commissioner Mike Byerly spurred the efforts to bump up the dollar limit for which people could apply. All rights reserved. 86, No. Through a survey, commissioners have expressed very different views about how the American Rescue Plan dollars coming to the city should be spent. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Public health expenses include an initial $2 million in funding for purchasing protective equipment for health workers and disinfecting public facilities (including nursing homes). This would ultimately result in a difference of about $2,072,541 for this particular fund in comparison to its projected revenue from fiscal year 2020. New applications for the program close in about a week. This second iteration of relief money follows the roughly $14 billion allocated to colleges in spring 2020 in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act,. For my senior honors project, I decided to highlight this piece of local history and celebrate this underappreciated instrument. Id like to see this expedited because that flood of evictions is going to hit us any day, she said. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. This would mark the fifth consecutive year the county has reduced the millage rate. Countys running out of funds doesnt mean the program is over, said April Shuping with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA firm. Commissioners have discussed putting money toward public health measures and infrastructure, among other things, Sexton said. The crawl space scooter is built with 1/4 high grade. The Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted Thursday to spend $5.6 million on a partial restoration . However, the taxes are recovering and are expected to continue recovery into the 2022 fiscal year. Other initiatives in the budget plan included raising the minimum wage for county workers from $14 to $14.50 an hour, continued construction of a county agricultural and equestrian center and development of new county infrastructure, such as an administration building to consolidate much of the countys downtown operations in a single location.. 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. The American Rescue Plan provides $10 billion to state and Tribal governments to fund small business credit expansion initiatives. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The county is also working on the Alachua County Regional Sports Complex, a project Lieberman said will generate over 1,000 jobs, $77 million in economic activity and over $12 million in tax revenues, annually. The combined utility debt owed byGRUs active residential accounts that are more than 30 days past due is $940,558, said GRU spokesman Dave Warm. 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. The Act provided more than $2 trillion in funding for programs including, but not limited to, education, health and human services, labor, housing and agriculture. In order to be eligible for the additional funds, it must use up this portion first. Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs, Inc., d/b/a ACORN Clinic - $64,598 Alachua Habitat for Humanity - $196,513 Bread of the Mighty Food Bank - $477,534 About $15 million is dedicated to small- and medium-sized business relief. People who are past due on their utility bills will get financial assistance to help getthem caught up through a federal program to help communities recover from COVID-19. Update or Upgrade Your Sustaining Gift Today! Source: www.ridgidforum.com. They decided not to renew my lease December 31 so at this point I havent found nowhere else to place my family. July 8, 2020 Coronavirus, Government and politics. About $2.5 million is left over for any other eligible expenses. Gainesville has requested $2.9 million and has so far received about $749,000. Residents and business owners who fell behind on expenses or lost significant income due to required closure may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in COVID-19 relief money. But Alachua County has managed to make up for some of its pandemic-related losses. The vast majority of the funding $36.1 million will be reserved for relief grants to inpiduals and businesses. A mill is $1 out of every $1,000 of a propertys taxable value, and in Liebermans recommendation, the county would collect fewer mills for the two funds mentioned. Businesses may also use funds as reimbursement for costs incurred to reopen, such as installing protective shields and buying personal protective equipment for workers. About 53% of recipients livewithin Gainesville's city limits, while about a third live in unincorporated areas of the county. Sign up for our daily or breaking newsletters to stay informed. Earlier CARES Act coverage: School Board gets aid, but crowding, HyFlex teaching remain sore spots. 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. Alachua requested about $200,000 and has received about $35,000. 4182 Federal Register/Vol. $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. More than $15.5 million of grant money has been spent to process applications and payout bills to qualifying residents. The other $750,000 will be allocated to things like expansion of testing sites and emergency transport costs. 10/Friday, January 15, 2021/Notices 1 As noted previously on Treasury's website, on June 30, 2020, the guidance provided under ''Costs incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020'' was The funds would go to Three Rivers Legal Services, a nonprofit legal firm the cityalready has under contract. 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. The museum requested themaximum funding at $750,000 but will receive a $10,000 cut for its "Spark Wonder. This money helps support county residents struggling to pay rent as a result of the pandemic. A majority of those funds about 72% are for Gainesville-based businesses. So Im considered as a holdover tenant.. 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. Sexton said all of the CARES Act money was allocated and spent by December 2020. The relief plans remaining money will be allocated to things like medical expenses, public health expenses, and actions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related measures. Stephanie Bailes, CEO and executive director of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, appearedemotional before emphatically stating all the work Cade employees do in the community, including providing 900 community memberships, free classes at local YMCA locationsand hosting graduation for PACE Center for Girls. About $500,000 of that will be set aside for future food delivery to vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens. The CARES Act established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund. Ken Cornell, chair of the county commission, said this is considered an "emergency action" not an "emergency order," meaning the county can not enforce mandates like masking or vaccinations. Another $2 million is to be allocated for public health expenses such as PPE and supplies for medical and public safety workers, disinfection of public areas and mental health crisis intervention. $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. The first-round of grants will be up to $2,500 with the possibility of up to an additional $2,500 in the future as funding allows. Commissioner David Arreola also expressed disappointment with a lack of funding for some groups. This would ultimately result in a difference of $504,226 in comparison to the funds projected revenue for this fiscal year. Award amounts will depend on the needs and size of the business. 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. Because I received ERAP, I was kind of discriminated against since then, said King. 20% of this will be available during the first round of the countys CARES Act funding. 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.

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