08-03-2020 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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A15. According to U.S. Treasury guidance dated June 24, 2020, the fund is designed to provide ready funding to address unforeseen financial needs and risks created by the COVID-19 public health emergency. For this reason, and as a matter of administrative convenience in light of the emergency nature of this program, a state, territorial, local, or tribal government may presume that payroll costs for public health and public safety employees are payments for services substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency, unless the chief executive (or equivalent) of the relevant government determines that specific circumstances indicate otherwise. An employer may also track time spent by employees related to COVID-19 and apply CRF payments on that basis but would need to do so consistently within the relevant agency or department. The League encourages cities to document the reasons the expenses were determined to satisfy the three-part test. These findings can be used later to explain decisions to auditors and show the council’s careful consideration. I have attached a proposed resolution documenting our reasons for your review. I have also reached out to our auditors and expect to hear back from them by the time of this meeting. Using public safety payroll expense would be the most efficient administratively. The City Council would still have the flexibility to utilize the funds for other COVID-19 related expenses if they desired. We would fully spend the grant by mid-August using public safety payroll expenses. Conclusion Staff is looking for any additional direction from the Council on how they would like to proceed. Respectfully Submitted, Mark Beer