Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Norman Foster
Department: Office of Management and Budget
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT budget Resolution No. 2021-055 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 Fund in the amount of $58,965,475 to appropriate the direct federal assistance from the Treasury Department to Broward County for the emergency rental assistance program in the response to the public health emergency with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required for appropriating unanticipated revenue.
What Action Accomplishes
Appropriates the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 funding to assist Broward County in emergency rental assistance including administrative costs in the response to the public health emergency with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 into law, which provides direct federal assistance to local governments with populations over 200,000 for the emergency rental assistance program and administrative costs. Broward County has received $58,965,475 in funds to assist with this public health emergency for eligible expenses incurred. This program will assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to a direct or indirect loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, to ensure housing stability. Funds must be expended by December 31, 2021 and cannot be reallocated for any other purpose.
An eligible household is defined as:
• A renter household that has a household income at or below 80% of the area median,
• At least one or more individuals living in the household qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19,
• Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
There are Federal guidelines related to eligibility. The County is accountable for every dollar of expenses, as ineligible expenses are subject to recoupment.
Source of Additional Information
Norman Foster, Director, Office of Management and Budget, (954) 357-6346
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Provides Broward County $58,965,475 in Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 funding to spend on eligible costs through December 31, 2021.