To: Board of Supervisors, County of Sonoma
Department or Agency Name(s): Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector and Department of Emergency Management
Staff Name and Phone Number: Amanda Ruch, 707-565-3274 / Christopher Godley, 707-565-1152
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): All Districts
Title:
Title
Authorization for Use of Contingency Funds for COVID-19 Emergency Response
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a budget resolution authorizing the use of $1,000,000 General Fund contingencies to support the County’s response to the proclaimed COVID-19 emergency. (4/5th Vote Required)
end
Executive Summary:
This item asks the Board of Supervisors to adopt a budget resolution authorizing the use of General Fund contingencies to finance Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and authorized County department purchases related to the COVID-19 emergency response. Staff have identified approximately $1,000,000 of material and service costs needed to support initial COVID-19 response costs and near-term EOC operations.
Discussion:
On March 4, 2020, the global COVID-19 outbreak emergency was declared by the Director of Emergency Management (Director) and a Resolution ratifying the Proclamation of a local emergency was adopted by the Board of Supervisors. In addition, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide emergency declaration on March 4, 2020. The Director-issued emergency activated the County’s Operational Area Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate the County's response.
Under the direction of the Director, staff has identified approximately $1,000,000 in initial goods and services costs to fund the COVID-19 disaster response effort. These costs include the purchase of medical supplies, personal protective equipment, a triage/surge tent, Virtual Private Network (VPN) licenses and laptops for increased remote work capabilities, additional cleaning and sanitization of County facilities, general EOC operating costs, etc. The $1,000,000 immediate cost estimate does not include salaries and benefits costs associated with redirecting non-Emergency Management staff to support the Emergency.
The County has requested resources in several categories from the State as they may be available. Specifically, as indicated in our Proclamation of a Local Emergency, the county has filed an Initial Damage Estimate with the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) of $6,000,000. The Governor’s declaration of a State emergency activates the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) and triggers the process of consideration of financial assistance from the state for costs incurred by local governments. As of this writing, and given the size of the emergency, we have not yet received confirmation from Cal-OES on the level of funding that will be available. These estimates address only those costs that the County will incur in the next few weeks. Should the event develop into a more significant or extended outbreak, staff will need to return to the Board to seek additional budgetary authority and match funding.
Congress and the President have authorized $8.3B for the COVID-19 nationwide emergency. However, specifics on how, when, or how much of that funding could be made available to local governments is unknown.
Staff will continue to ensure that procurement and financial procedures align with State and Federal disaster programs in order to maximize the County’s eligibility for participation in any funding or reimbursement opportunities.
Prior Board Actions:
March 4, 2020 - County of Sonoma declares local health emergency in response to COVID-19.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
$1,000,000 |
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Total Expenditures |
$1,000,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
$1,000,000 |
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Total Sources |
$1,000,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This adjustment is necessary to fund COVID-19 response needs, including goods, services, and EOC operations. Estimated costs are for materials and service-related purchases that are coordinated via the EOC. Internal labor costs are not included. If approved, approximately $78,000 will remain in the County’s Contingency Fund.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Budget Resolution (Attachment A)
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.