Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Amend RES 20-1066 and authorize the Office of Emergency Services to utilize funds approved under RES 20-1066 to reimburse costs incurred by the County departments for Disaster Service Workers assignments as part of the COVID-19 response efforts which cannot be covered by other revenues already approved by the Board (4/5th vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
a. Amend RES 20-1066 and authorize the Office of Emergency Services to utilize funds approved under RES 20-1066 to reimburse costs incurred by the County departments for Disaster Service Workers assignments as part of the COVID-19 response efforts which cannot be covered by other revenues already approved by the Board (4/5th vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved RES 20-1066 which authorized the amendment of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) budget to increase appropriations by $171,000 for the Care and Shelter Branch of the Emergency Operations Center financed by the Cannabis fund. This funding was intended to hire temporary Alternative Housing Site personnel through temporary staffing agencies for a four (4) week period.
Due to the long-term staffing needs of OES and the continued COVID-19 response efforts, it has been determined that many operational needs of OES can be filled by County employees, and temporary workers if needed. The Human Resources Department continues to work with County departments to identify employees for reassignment to Disaster Service Worker (DSW) roles as part of the COVID-19 response efforts. Through this process, County departments have identified the following funding restrictions which prevent non-General Fund positions/employees from participating as DSWs:
• Departments may lose the funding associated with positions funded through grants, State and federal funding and enterprise funds; and
• Service departments may lose funding from internal revenue sources for positions who are reassigned and not providing the agreed upon services to departments.
Due to these funding restrictions, it is recommended the Board of Supervisors consider authorizing the use of the previously approved $171,000 to supplement department budgets that are impacted as a result of assigning employees as DSWs. The funding would be distributed to impacted departments by way of internal processes once a DSW assignment is made and a funding restriction is identified.
The OES, by way of DSWs, provide a critical service to our community as they coordinate and support the County’s COVID-19 response efforts. By allowing the flexibility to supplement impacted department’s budgets, it would facilitate the appropriate DSW staffing levels to appropriately meet the operational needs of the OES. As such, it is recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the amendment of RES 20-1066 to authorize the Office of Emergency Services to utilize funds approved under RES 20-1066 to reimburse costs incurred by the County departments for Disaster Service Workers assignments as part of the COVID-19 response efforts which cannot be covered by other revenues already approved by the Board.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office consulted with the Social Services and Human Resources Departments.
FINANCING:
Approval of this action will not result in additional costs for the County as funds have already been approved by the Board in RES 20-1066. Expenditures incurred will be submitted to FEMA or other available funding for reimbursement under the on-going COVID-19 emergency declaration with a potential recovery rate of up to 75%.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
__Economic Development
X Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared By: Irma Ramirez-Bough, Director of Human Resources and Ariana Hurtado, Senior Personnel Analyst
Approved By: Charles J. McKee, County Administrative Officer
Attachment: Board Report
Resolution
cc: Dewayne Woods, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Nick Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Lori Medina, Director of Social Services
Gerry Malais, Office of Emergency Services
Rupa Shah, Auditor-Controller