Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Receive a report from the Health Department on pandemic programs and associated financial impacts; and
b. Provide Direction on continuance of pandemic programs as detailed in Attachment A, including reserving funding from General Fund Contingencies, Cannabis Assignment, and/or the Strategic Reserve; and
c. Authorize the County Administrative Office and Direct the Auditor-Controller upon the Authorization of the County Administrative Office to release an amount not to exceed $6,593,491 from Cannabis Assignment (BSA 001-3132), General Fund Contingencies (001-1050-CAO020 4/5th vote required), and/or Strategic Reserve (BSA 001-3111) funds as necessary through June 30, 2021 to finance pandemic programs in the event that alternative Federal or State funding does not materialize prior to the end of the fiscal year, for those specific pandemic programs the board of Supervisors has directed to continue and reserved Cannabis Assignment funds, contingencies and/or Strategic Reserve funds as outlined in Attachment A.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
a. Receive a report from the Health Department on pandemic programs and associated financial impacts; and
b. Provide Direction on continuance of pandemic programs as detailed in Attachment A, including reserving funding from General Fund Contingencies, Cannabis Assignment, and/or the Strategic Reserve; and
c. Authorize the County Administrative Office and Direct the Auditor-Controller upon the Authorization of the County Administrative Office to release an amount not to exceed $6,593,491 from Cannabis Assignment (BSA 001-3132), General Fund Contingencies (001-1050-CAO020 4/5th vote required), and/or Strategic Reserve (BSA 001-3111) funds as necessary through June 30, 2021 to finance pandemic programs in the event that alternative Federal or State funding does not materialize prior to the end of the fiscal year, for those specific pandemic programs the board of Supervisors has directed to continue and reserved Cannabis Assignment funds, contingencies and/or Strategic Reserve funds as outlined in Attachment A.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Per Federal guidelines, CARES funds could be used for expenditures incurred through December 30, 2020.
The expiration of the spending period for CARES funds on December 30, 2020 left the Department’s ongoing COVID-19 response activities unfunded. This includes the costs of staff redirected to work in the emergency response efforts, hiring of temporary personnel directly and through vendor agreements, and the Stipend Pilot program, which provided some financial relief to COVID-19 positive individuals without a source of income while in self-isolation.
The County’s permanence in the widespread stage of the health emergency, the surge in cases, and concurrent vaccine program rollout underscore the need for the Department to continue its COVID-19 response activities for the foreseeable future. Our estimates indicate the Department will need approximately $6.59 million to finance ongoing COVID-19 response activities. The tables on attachment A detail our recommended funding option, and two alternative options for the Board’s consideration.
This work supports the Health Department’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan initiative: 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports one or more the following of the ten essential public health services: 1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems. 2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazard in the community; 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts; 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety; 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; 8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce; 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services; 10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agencies were involved.
FINANCING:
Approval of this item will result in additional County costs. The total amount will depend on the funding option the Board selects and on new grant awards. On February 1, 2021, the Department received notification from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of new funding in the amount of $20.4 million for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program. The funds are intended to support pandemic response efforts beginning March 1, 2021 through July 31, 2023. The Department awaits a Direct Allocation Letter from CDPH, as well as detailed guidance and program requirements to determine the allowable activities and the extent to which it will mitigate the existing funding gap. The Department will update the Board as the information becomes available.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐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 healthy 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 businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Miriam Y. Mendoza-Hernández, Finance Manager, 755-4622
Approved by:
______________________Date:_________
Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board
Attachment A is on file with the Clerk of the Board