Title
Adopt Resolution to:
a. Authorize the reallocation of unspent American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to the Human Resources Department; and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Human Resources Department’s FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget (001-1060-8401-HRD001) to increase appropriations by $74,073 to staff and administer the County’s employee COVID-19 testing services financed by an increase in revenues in the CAO budget 001-1050-8041-CAO19 funded by ARPA funds (4/5ths vote required); and
c. Authorize the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate these changes in the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
a. Authorize the reallocation of unspent American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to the Human Resources Department; and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Human Resources Department’s FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget (001-1060-8401-HRD001) to increase appropriations by $74,073 to staff and administer the County’s employee COVID-19 testing services financed by an increase in revenues in the CAO budget 001-1050-8041-CAO19 funded by ARPA funds (4/5ths vote required); and
c. Authorize the Auditor-Controller and County Administrative Office to incorporate these changes in the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Human Resources Department presented to the Budget Committee on April 25, 2022 and received support for the reallocation of unspent ARPA funds to the Human Resources Department to reimburse the department for cost associated with the Board of Supervisor’s mandate to test employees with approved COVID-19 vaccination exemptions weekly. The Human Resources Department hired three (3) temporary Office Assistants to staff the employee COVID-19 testing services at various work sites countywide as listed in the attached flyer. In addition, the Human Resources Department incurred costs associated with the shipping of the test specimens to the Colors lab in Valencia, California for processing. The Human Resources Department does not have the funds in its existing budget to absorb these additional costs and requests a reimbursement of these costs from the unspent ARPA funds from Fiscal Year 2020-21. The department has had some vacancies, but the savings have been used for base wage increases provided to HR staff based on a recent base wage study and salary increases associated with labor negotiations. Savings from vacancies have also been used to purchase equipment for employees to be able to work remotely. This request is intended to cover the costs of the employee COVID-19 testing services and administration for FY 2021-22. The Human Resources Department will be submitting an additional funding request to cover these costs in FY 2022-23 during the Board of Supervisors Budget Hearings.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Human Resources Department has consulted with the County Administrative Office regarding the request for the reimbursement and the use of unspent ARPA funds to cover the ongoing costs of employee COVID-19 testing services.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from this action. If the action is approved, the identified funding will be covered with reallocated ARPA funds. Unspent FY 2020-21 ARPA funds allocated to the Department of Social Services is requested to be reallocated to fund this request.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
___ Economic Development - Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
X Administration - Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
___ Health & Human Services - Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for health choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
___ Infrastructure - Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
___ Public Safety - Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading business and communities to thrive and grow while reducing violent crimes.
Prepared by: Ariana V. Hurtado, HR Program Manager, 784-5638
Approved by: Irma Ramirez-Bough, Director of Human Resources, 755-5043
Attachments:
Resolution
COVID-19 Testing Sites Flyer