To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: N/A
Prepared By:
prepared
Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
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Subject:
title
2:30 PM *ARPA Funding Follow-Up Discussion
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to consider initial requests for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support funding requests associated with the mental health programmatic area.
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Background and Discussion: The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law March 2021. The goal of ARPA is to support public health response, address negative economic impacts resulting from or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency, replace public sector revenue loss, address premium pay for essential workers, and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The legislation builds on the CARES Act funding from last year, which provided Arapahoe County $114 million in one-time funding.
Earlier this year, the Board updated its Response & Recovery Plan Goals and Objectives and expanded its list of initial programmatic areas for potential funding consideration. The Board also held 14 stakeholder outreach meetings to understand community needs and solicit funding proposals. Based on U.S. Treasury Guidance and stakeholder input, an interdisciplinary staff team presented an allocation approach as well as evaluation criteria matrix to help inform future Board decision-making. This information was presented at a Sept. 21, 2021, study session and received Board approval to move forward. During a Sept. 28, 2021, study session, the Board approved using ARPA funding for four initial proposals within the County operational bucket as well as affirmed the approach for evaluating future investments. During the October 19, 2021, study session, the Board approved using funding for five proposals within the vulnerable populations bucket. Previous study sessions are linked for reference.
The purpose of this study session is to review six potential investments submitted in the mental health programmatic area, one of which is better suited for general government funding in lieu of ARPA. The team also is recommending prioritizing requests from the Aurora Mental Health Center given available funding. Please refer to the presentation, project sheets, and updated project list for reference.
Fiscal Impact: If approved, the fiscal impact of funding the five projects as presented would be $7,572,060.
Alternatives: The Board could decline not to move forward with these requests as presented.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends funding these investments with ARPA funds.
Concurrence: County Attorney’s Office, Finance Department, Human Resources Department, Human Services Department, Community Resources Department, and Sheriff’s Office.