This pages tracks the history of coronavirus cases in Alachua County, both recent and all-time. Commissioner Saco said she expects a flood of upcoming local evictions in the coming weeks after a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ban on rental evictions expired last month. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Alachua County is now under a declared state of emergency due to COVID-19. The deadline to complete the survey is May 13 with the hope that devices will be ready for distribution by the start of next school year. According to Lieberman, the funds will be shifted and reallocated to different programs and municipalities depending on need. During a board of county commissioners special meeting Tuesday, Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman unveiled disbursement plans for the countys COVID-19 relief funds and a tentative budget plan for the fiscal year 2021, which starts Oct. 1. Despite the pandemic, a rise in Alachua County unemployment and a slow year for the local tourism industry, the Alachua County Managers proposed budget for the 2022 fiscal year showed an increase in revenue and spending. We highlight the stories of Black Floridians seeking emotional healing and wellness. Newberry and Micanopy did not sign a subrecipient agreement with the county and are therefore not eligible to receive reimbursement funding for costs incurred due to the pandemic. $7.5 million for Medium Business relief grants more than 25 to 50 employees, 7. King said her landlord is not accepting the funds. If local news is important to you, consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Gainesville Sun. TOTAL AMOUNT DISBURSED: $1,387,493,832.96 out of $5,855,807,379.80. However, these rates are merely the county managers recommendation; the county commission is tasked with setting the tentative millage rates during its July 14 meeting. The costs incurred amid COVID-19 such as rent or mortgage payments for households or PPE costs for small businesses, must take place between March 1 and Dec. 30, 2020. To be held in reserve for programs not yet determined and expenses not yet anticipated. Saturday , April 22 2023 WUFT TV/FM Alachua Board of County Commissioners / The Florida Channel The Alachua County Commission met via zoom Tuesday. These actually align really closely with the populations, which is what wed expect, Shuping said. About $2.7 million went to small businesses, $6.3 million went to government agencies, about $2.7 million went to nonprofit organizations conducting COVID-19 aid and about $11 million went to the countys COVID-19 relief efforts. July 8, 2020 Coronavirus, Government and politics. According to the budget document, this would be only the third time in the last 40 years that the millage rate dipped under eight mills.. May 1The Community Foundation of Frederick County is accepting online applications for music instruction scholarships through May 31. But which customers may or may not qualify for the utility financial assistance is still a question mark, officials said. For the law enforcement fund, the millage rate would reduce from 3.7240 mills to 3.5678 mills. Lieberman also unveiled the countys tentative budget plan for the fiscal year 2021, which was significantly influenced by the economic fallout of COVID-19. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -Two waves of federal funds sent millions to Alachua County residents for rent and utility expenses. The crawl space scooter is built with 1/4 high grade. $249,384,820 GEER funds may be used by the Governor of Florida in support of public elementary and secondary education, institutions of higher education (IHEs), or other education-related entities. Going Beyond Assistance Fund - A 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed by HCSG to serve as a charitable employer-sponsored disaster relief organization to provide emergency, hardship, and disaster assistance . The state passed a $101.5 billion state budget in April, a nearly $10 billion increase in spending from the last fiscal year. Other local government agencies that requested aid include the health department, which has requested $1.85 million that has not yet been dispersed; the school board, which has received $750,000 out of the $2.05 million requested and the sheriffs office, which has received nearly $200,000. Our department manages the financial responsibilities for the State of Florida. Florida has seen similar budget increases this year. The American Rescue Plan provides $10 billion to state and Tribal governments to fund small business credit expansion initiatives. The most reliable way I think we have to get the money to the people who are in the greatest need is not via the filter of a business its through an individuals ability to demonstrate, I havent been able to pay my rent in three months, because I lost my job on March 17, he said. Among those who got the most money and maximum allowed are theNeighborhood Housing andDevelopment Corporation'saffordable housing program and Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungrys support for Grace Marketplace, each receiving $750,000. Listen below: Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman outlined CARES Act distribution during Tuesdays first special meeting, and then introduced the countys fiscal year 2021 tentative budget during the second meeting. Eligibility is reserved for residents who were furloughed or laid off, or those who need help making rent, utilities, internet, phone, or car payments from March 1 until now. The budget will be the subject of deliberation by county commissioners with two final hearings in September. According to Lieberman, these initial funds must be spent before the county can receive the next set of funds. made. The funds would go to Three Rivers Legal Services, a nonprofit legal firm the cityalready has under contract. Under the countys plan, eligible households may receive up to $5,000 to cover rent or mortgage, car, utility, phone and internet payments they are unable to cover. $2 million for Medical Expenses $1,250,000 allocated to the Alachua County Department of Health for contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists, and related support staff for testing, tracing, case management, and containment of COVID-19. a $101.5 billion state budget in April, a nearly $10 billion increase in spending from the last fiscal year. Nearly $21 million was given directly to citizens who had COVID-19-specific impacts, Sexton said. If not expended by October 30, 2020, this amount shall be redistributed to other categories. The Act provided more than $2 trillion in funding for programs including, but not limited to, education, health and human services, labor, housing and agriculture. Another $3.3 million will be used for compliance with public health-related measures. At the moment, we have cash on hand to get us through June.". The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Example: Overtime, additional staff, and law enforcement support. The county will hire a third-party consultant, Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC, to assist the county in managing and tracking fund disbursements. Resident June King is a program recipient who said she had COVID-19 for six months working as a nurse but is now searching for a new home. Commissioner Mary Alford also suggested using some additional funding to make improvements to the county administration building, which is being used more now than it had been for several months, since commission meetings have resumed a hybrid, online and in-person structure. We would like to continue funding the monthly payments until the funding is exhausted for those who are in the program today and we think thats coming up soon. More:City funding plans create opportunity, risk, More:Alachua County evictions are on the rise, with 188 cases still open. About $2.3 million total is expected to be allocated to some 22 local nonprofits. The school district will send students home with a hard copy of a short survey with questions for parents to answer about their child's access to the internet and device. That could include families that dont have enough technology resources for all the students in their household., Biden signs $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill, Marking a year of loss and disruption, President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law the $1.9 trillion relief package that he says will help the U.S. defeat the coronavirus and nurse the economy back to health. Even though the county has been able to increase its budget, it has incurred losses in some areas. Most municipalities also signed a subrecipient agreement with the county to receive their own aid money. So far 3,450 have been accepted and 2,830 denied. About 53% of recipients livewithin Gainesville's city limits, while about a third live in unincorporated areas of the county. Here is a breakdown from the County on where the funds will be going: 1. Vaccination rates continue to rise. News / dec 4, 2019 / 01:45 pm est. You're Shoring Up Your Hom. It is clear to me that building and nurturing strong partnerships within our community is a commission priority, Lieberman said. Mayor Lauren Poe on Thursday thanked Congress and President Joe Biden for taking an "unprecedented step" of providingthe funding directly to cities across the country. Though nervous about pain from the shot,. Alachua County Budget Increasing By Nearly $78 Million, Despite the pandemic, a rise in Alachua County. Web diy insulated grill jacket. What's behind the shortages of Adderall, Ozempic and other meds? A total of $21.1 million is set aside for individual and household assistance. New applications for the program close in about a week. This is the category that really belongs to the citizens.. Applicants must be permanent Alachua County residents and show proof of financial strains. Others expressed frustration with the smaller $20,000 and $10,000 grants received. COVID-19 Community Resource Portal This Portal is a partnership of local governments, first responders, educational institutions, hospitals, nonprofits, and many others. 10/Friday, January 15, 2021/Notices 1 As noted previously on Treasury's website, on June 30, 2020, the guidance provided under ''Costs incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020'' was Web crawl space door kit; Home alachua county covid relief fund crawl space creepers. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Gainesville has requested $2.9 million and has so far received about $749,000. During the first round of funding, only $2,500 of the total $5,000 will be available to each household. Of this amount, the State of Florida was allocated $8.4 Likewise, itpreviously and narrowly was approved in the Senate along party lines with a 50-49 vote. Businesses must be able to show documented loss of profit due to required closure or efforts to rehire furloughed or laid-off workers. Gainesville's COVID relief to help residents pay utility bills and fight eviction . Earlier CARES Act coverage: School Board gets aid, but crowding, HyFlex teaching remain sore spots. 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, Copyright 2023 Florida Department of Financial Services. Alachua County Public Schools on Tuesday announced its efforts to bridge the digital divide with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which could potentially provide enough funding. The relief plans remaining money will be allocated to things like medical expenses, public health expenses, and actions to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related measures. Or, businesses of 50 employees or less can receive up to $10,000 through a back-to-work grant with documented efforts to reemploy furloughed or laid-off workers. An increase in property values means an increase in property taxes, which are the main revenue source for the county, contributing about $130 million to the $564 million budget. At the House level, the bill passed 220-211, with every Republican and one Democrat voting against itbefore being signed into law by President Joe Biden. This is the overwhelming funding, going into this category, said Lieberman. Update or Upgrade Your Sustaining Gift Today! The organizations and awarded amounts are: Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the Cade Museum's funding from a Gatorade trust covers 14% of its operations and that the museum is getting $10,000 in ARPA funding. Otherwise, I cant imagine where our community would be right now.. Stephanie Bailes, CEO and executive director of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, appearedemotional before emphatically stating all the work Cade employees do in the community, including providing 900 community memberships, free classes at local YMCA locationsand hosting graduation for PACE Center for Girls. 1026. Alachua County Emergency Rental Assistance pay millions in rent and utility services to community, Equestrian show jumper from Central Florida dies during a competition. This money helps support county residents struggling to pay rent as a result of the pandemic. As part of our ongoingoversee and regularly report on this The Big Picture Six COVID-19 relief laws enacted in 2020 and 2021 provided about $4.6 trillion of funding for pandemic response and recovery. However, only the first $2,500 will be guaranteed; the remaining aid that people apply for will be disbursed as it becomes available as funds are reevaluated and reallocated. Small retail, salons, non-essential businesses, daycares, etc. Example: Social distancing markers, signage, modifying counter areas, etc. The remaining $4.36 billion will be used by the State to cover COVID 19-related costs. The vast majority of the funding $36.1 million will be reserved for relief grants to inpiduals and businesses. Update or Upgrade Your Sustaining Gift Today! Jim Harriot, deputy county manager for public works and growth management, said the county is already looking into the costs of adding ionization technology in the HVAC system, which has been used elsewhere to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Coronavirus Relief Fund Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the CARES Act provides for payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Documented lost profit from required closure, Documented employees (non-owner/family) remaining on payroll while on required closure. The Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted Thursday to spend $5.6 million on a partial restoration . Tenants have to be at or below 80% of the average median income for Alachua County which is at $39,000 yearly for one person. But Alachua County has managed to make up for some of its pandemic-related losses. For example, only three commissioners indicated support for spending the money on improving broadband capacity in areas where internet service is poor, with commissioners recommending the following expenditures: Adrian Hayes-Santos, $15 million;Reina Saco, $13 million;and Harvey Ward,$900,000. Alachua County will receive 25% of its aid package, about $11.7 million, in the first round of fund dispersals. $7.5 million for Small Business Relief Grants 25 employees and less, 3. In order to be eligible for the additional funds, it must use up this portion first. Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs Inc.'s ACORN medical and dental clinic, which is proposed to receive $64,598 . Medical expenses will receive $2 million initially, with $1.25 million reserved for the Alachua County Department of Healths contact tracing specialists, epidemiologists and other medical staff. billion: $5.86 billion was deposited into the State Treasury as General Revenue and approximately $2.47 billion was allocated to 12 of the largest counties directly by the U.S. Treasury. "Until last week, when our federal employee payroll tax credit was received, we were planning as if we would have to significantly modify our operations to make it through next week's payroll. If a business received other federal aid, it may impact their ability to receive the countys CARES Act funds. City funding plans create opportunity, risk, Alachua County evictions are on the rise, with 188 cases still open, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. This would ultimately result in a difference of about $2,072,541 for this particular fund in comparison to its projected revenue from fiscal year 2020. Or, businesses of 50 employees or less can receive up to $10,000 through a back-to-work grant with documented efforts to reemploy furloughed or laid-off workers. But I would say that anybody who falls in that (COVID hardship) category could be eligible.. Alachua County will disburse $46.9 million in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 relief, and according to a new budget plan, property taxes in the county could soon be lowered, too. Despite a year where the Covid-19 pandemic was a dominant theme, the Alachua County budget will increase nearly $78 Million from 2020. Shuping said that makessense because, similarly to the individual applications, a greater number of businesses are located within Gainesville city limits than elsewhere in the county. That totals about $39.3 million, though the county was approved for $46.9 million for the federal program. The county commissioners are breaking down the funds into six different categories ranging from individual assistance to business relief grants - with $21 million reserved for individuals on a first come, first serve basis. This makes Alachua County one of just five communities state-wide to use 100% of their first round of funds; totaling $7 million. Public health expenses include an initial $2 million in funding for purchasing protective equipment for health workers and disinfecting public facilities (including nursing homes). Through a survey, commissioners have expressed very different views about how the American Rescue Plan dollars coming to the city should be spent. More than $13.6 million has been distributed to nearly 3,500 peopleand households so far, saidApril Shuping, a partner with Carr Riggs & Ingram, which is leadingthe application process. How GoFundMe Works; Why . Support COVID-19 fundraisers; Crisis Relief; Learn more. The fiscal year 2021 budget plan will be publicly discussed and amended by the board of county commissioners for the next two months, culminating in its adoption on Sept. 22. The move comes as other districts could be enacting strict mask mandates due to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases as . Equestrian show jumper from Central Florida dies during a competition. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. Id like to see this expedited because that flood of evictions is going to hit us any day, she said. The second round of ERAP funds is 65% used so far; with a total of $8 million. Im just getting back into nursing, just getting back on my feet. We will still take applications, they will still get time stamped and reviewed, Director of Finance April Shuping said. Alachua. This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Its the constant reevaluation of the criteria that were using to make sure that we get it to as many people as possible in the time thats allotted, she said. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, delivers $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency. "So I was $15,000 behind so ERAP really helped me out," said Alachua County resident, June King. They decided not to renew my lease December 31 so at this point I havent found nowhere else to place my family. A majority of those funds about 72% are for Gainesville-based businesses. Florida has seen similar budget increases this year. High Springs requested about $100,000 and has received about $24,000. Rental assistance program funds are expected to run out in April. During a board of county commissioners special meeting Tuesday, Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman unveiled disbursement plans for the countys COVID-19 relief funds and a tentative budget plan for the fiscal year 2021, which starts Oct. 1. To qualify for assistance, a homeowner must: Own and occupy an eligible one- to four- unit primary residence Have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship, and have been unable to remain current on mortgage payments Meet household income limits Have been current on mortgage and property taxes as of January 2020 Guidelines Why an Arizona County Turned Down $1.9 Million in Covid Relief Two Republican supervisors voted to reject the federal money, frustrating health care workers in rural Cochise County. A total of 49 groups asked for a combined $19 million, but the list wasdwindled down to 37 groups based on priorities of existing services by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida through a competitive process with the help of city staff and community activists. On March 27, Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established a new $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for state, county and municipal governments with populations of over 500,000 people to address necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health Public health expenses include an initial $2 million in funding for purchasing protective equipment for health workers and disinfecting public facilities (including nursing homes). By, New COVID variant of interest comes to Florida with a common allergy symptom: pinkeye, Abortion clinics urge Florida Supreme Court to maintain privacy clause protection, Quiet and parents' touch help the newborns of opioid users, a study shows. Alachua County will receive 25%. I would imagine those folks would definitely qualify on the list, he said. This is a start where we can immediately start working with those folks to get relief from those back payments and kind of get them current, he said. The commission did not discussdetails of who would be eligible for the utility assistance, such as anyone who is simply past due on their utilitybills or only those who have asked for a COVID hardship payment plan in the past who still owe money.
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