HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-19-Agenda MeetingSpecial Called Meeting Lee N. Beard Commission Chamber-
8/19/2021- 12:00 PM
1. Motion to adopt proposed 2021 Millage Rate Resolution. Attachments
2. Motion to approve the Administrator's proposed framework for
administering the Augusta Rescue Plan (funded by the federal
American Rescue Plan). The request includes pre-authorization
to implement revenue recovery, Public Safety (includes coroner
and staff), and premium pay provisions within the law to provide
one-time pay supplements for public safety and one-time salary
adjustment of up to $15.00 per hour minimum and 2% increases
to address compression with funding from the ARP of
approximately $6.6 million in FY21 and $5.6 million in FY 22,
pending the issuance and concurrence of allowable expenditures
with the ARP final rules by the US Treasury Department.
Additionally, up to $1.5 million shall be allocated for vaccination
incentives (vaccinations for up to 10,000 with $100 per person
for dosage), and $500,000 for administrative support services
through partnerships with public health providers, potential
locations for City partners to provide outreach for education and
vaccinations, and other reasonable activities and expenses for
vaccine incentive implementation.
Attachments
www.augustaga.gov
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
8/19/2021 12:00 PM
Adopt proposed 2021 Millage Rate Resolution
Department:Finance/Administration
Presenter:Finance/Administration
Caption:Motion to adopt proposed 2021 Millage Rate Resolution.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 1
Schedule A
MILLAGE RATE BY FUND
Approved Recommended
Rate 2021
2020 Mill Rates
COUNTY-WIDE GENERAL 15.519 15.011
SALES TAX CREDIT 6.474 5.966
COUNTY GENERAL FUND-NET M&O 9.045 9.045
URBAN SERVICES GENERAL 10.862 10.155
SALES TAX CREDIT - URBAN 6.017 5.310
URBAN SERVICES DIST.-NET M&O 4.845 4.845
CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND 0.722 0.722
FIRE PROTECTION 1.967 1.967
BLYTHE-FIRE DISTRICT M&O 3.299 3.299
COUNTY BONDS 0.000 0.000
URBAN SERVICES BONDS 0.000 0.000
URBAN SERVICE BID DISTRICT 5 0.000 0.000
URBAN SERVICE BID DISTRICT 6 0.000 0.000
Augusta -Richmond County, Georgia
Schedule of Proposed 2021 Millage Rates
August 03, 2021
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 1
Item # 1
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMMISSION
ESTABLISHING THE TAX MILLAGE RATES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
RESOLVED BY THE AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COMMISSION, that the rates as set forth on
Schedule “A” hereto, for the calendar year 2021, are hereby levied against the taxable property of
said County within the County for its County-Wide General Fund Maintenance and Operations,
the Urban Services District, the Capital Outlay Fund, the Fire Protection Fund, and the Blythe Fire
District Maintenance and Operations Fund, respectively.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Steven Kendrick, Tax Commissioner, or his successor in
office, is hereby directed to collect said tax on the taxable property within said districts, except
exempted real property as provided by law, and except exempted personal property as provided
by law, for the calendar year 2021.
Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor
Adopted this 19th day of August, 2021 AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY
___________________________
As its Mayor
Attest:
________________________
Clerk of Commission
Attachment number 2 \nPage 1 of 1
Item # 1
Legal Administration Committee Meeting
8/19/2021 12:00 PM
American Rescue Plan framework
Department:Administrator's Office
Presenter:Administrator Odie Donald, II
Caption:Motion to approve the Administrator's proposed framework for
administering the Augusta Rescue Plan (funded by the federal
American Rescue Plan). The request includes pre-authorization
to implement revenue recovery, Public Safety (includes coroner
and staff), and premium pay provisions within the law to provide
one-time pay supplements for public safety and one-time salary
adjustment of up to $15.00 per hour minimum and 2% increases
to address compression with funding from the ARP of
approximately $6.6 million in FY21 and $5.6 million in FY 22,
pending the issuance and concurrence of allowable expenditures
with the ARP final rules by the US Treasury Department.
Additionally, up to $1.5 million shall be allocated for
vaccination incentives (vaccinations for up to 10,000 with $100
per person for dosage), and $500,000 for administrative support
services through partnerships with public health providers,
potential locations for City partners to provide outreach for
education and vaccinations, and other reasonable activities and
expenses for vaccine incentive implementation.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Cover Memo
Item # 2
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Cover Memo
Item # 2
AUGUSTA
RECOVERY
PLAN (ARP)
Attachment number 1 \nPage 1 of 34
Item # 2
$350,000,000,000 AMERICAN RECOVERY PLAN
•$82,348,868 Augusta-Richmond County
•$116,000,000 Richmond County Schools
•$2,500,000 Paine College
•$447,000,000 PPE Loans
•$6,095,961 ERA 1
•$7,114,012 ERA 2
•HUD HOME $3,483,201
•AIRPORT $4,127,473
•CONCESSIONS $283,134
2
A ONCE IN A GENERATION
INVESTMENT
Attachment number 1 \nPage 2 of 34
Item # 2
Public Health Emergency Begins January 27, 2020
Ø Covered Period March 3, 2021
Ø Eligible ARP expenditures incurred/obligated by
December 2024
Ø Period of performance ends December 2026
3
A ONCE IN A GENERATION
INVESTMENT
Attachment number 1 \nPage 3 of 34
Item # 2
Public Comment Ends 7/16/2021
•Final Rule expected within 45 days
Interim Report (Cities & Counties)
•Consolidated Governments (2 Reports)
•Due August 31, 2021 (spending through 7/31/21)
Project Expenditure Report
•Due October 31, 2021
•Awardees above $5 million report quarterly
•Awards, Sub-awards, project information
Recovery Plan Performance Report
Ø Required for populations above 250,000
Ø Augusta, GA exempt*
4
INTERIM FINAL RULE
Attachment number 1 \nPage 4 of 34
Item # 2
ALLOWABLE EXPENSE CATEGORIES
üSupport Public Health Response
üReplace Public Sector Revenue
Loss
üWater & Sewer Infrastructure
üAddress Negative Economic
Impacts
üPremium Pay for Essential
Workers
üBroadband Infrastructure
5
Attachment number 1 \nPage 5 of 34
Item # 2
Funds may be used to cover the cost of consultants
Can be used to establish public jobs programs
Revenue Recovery (clarifications)
Broadband to Unserved/Underserved
ü Broadband infrastructure that brings reliability of
o 25MPS download speed
o 3MBS of upload speed
Investments in Outdoor Spaces
ü Qualified Census Tracts
ü Services for stronger neighborhoods and communities
ü Parks & Recreation
6
ARP ELIGIBLE USES (FAQs)
Attachment number 1 \nPage 6 of 34
Item # 2
•Expedite court case backlog
•Assistance for small business startups
•Respond to increased violence and crime
•Assistance to households & businesses
•Pre-project development of water, sewer,
broadband
•Public health response
ü Vaccination programs
ü Medical Expenses
ü Testing, contact tracing, PPE
ü Capital improvements in public facilities to meet pandemic
operational needs*
7
ARP ELIGIBLE USES (FAQs)
Attachment number 1 \nPage 7 of 34
Item # 2
LOCAL
ARP
ALLOCATIONS
Attachment number 1 \nPage 8 of 34
Item # 2
REGIONAL ARP ALLOCATIONS
•Columbia County $30,439,857
•Burke County $4,347,635.00
•North Augusta, SC $11,000,000*
•Aiken County, SC $33,200,000
Note: North Augusta figures based on recent news
reporting. ARP documents identify $4,300,000.
9
Attachment number 1 \nPage 9 of 34
Item # 2
ACCG
10
County Responses as of 7/2/2021:45
Counties NOT Offering Premium Pay:18
Counties Still Developing Plans /UNDECIDED :13
Counties with Premium Pay UNDER CONSIDERATION:
•3 counties are considering giving one-time payments ranging from
$100 -5000 (varies by county whether it is a set amount for all; a set
amount for full time vs. part time; a higher amount for public safety;
etc.)
•7 counties with premium pay under consideration have not identified
their funding levels or finalized their plans at this time
10
Counties who HAVE PAID or PLAN TO PAY Premium Pay
•3 counties are giving one-time payments ranging from $1000 -$2000
(varies by county whether it is a set amount for all; a set amount for
full time vs. part time; a higher amount for public safety; etc.)
•1 county is paying premium pay for hours worked consistent with the
Federal statutory and regulatory caps and maximum payables
4
Attachment number 1 \nPage 10 of 34
Item # 2
11
DeKalb Commission Approves Bonuses for Public Safety Personnel
DeKalb County public safety personnel will soon get a $3,000 bonus.
The county commission approved Tuesday the one-time “protect and serve retention bonuses”
previously proposed by CEO Michael Thurmond. The roughly 2,300 qualifying employees include police
officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, E-911 employees, probation officers and investigators with the
medical examiner and district attorney’s offices. The $6.2 million initiative is being funded primarily by
federal American Rescue Plan funds.
DeKalb County received a total of about $74 million from the American Rescue Plan, the pandemic-related
stimulus package that President Joe Biden signed into law in April. It will receive a second installment of
the same amount next year.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 11 of 34
Item # 2
GEORGIA
VACCINE
OUTREACH
(SUMMARY)
•The city of Bogart tailored their outdoor city hall sign to raise vaccine awareness.•In addition to using the “It’s Worth a Shot” campaign assets the city of Cedartown partnered with the city of Rockmart, Polk County and Floyd Medical Center to hold a vaccine clinic at Polk Medical Center campus.•The city of Cairo printed more than 4,300 “It’s Worth a Shot” PSAs in English and Spanish and distributed them throughout the schools for students to share with their parents.•Leaders in the city of Smyrna created their own vaccine awareness campaign titled, “Give it a Shot Smyrna.” The city also hosted mobile vaccine opportunities and utilized their fire department to distribute more than 1,000 vaccines.•The cities of Doraville and Dunwoody partnered with the Latino Community Fund and We Love BuHi to offer vaccine clinics for non-English-speaking residents. The Doraville City Council also authorized $26,000 in vaccine-related outreach to Spanish-speaking residents. While the city of Dunwoody documented (via a behind-the-scenes video) Mayor Lynn Deutsch getting her vaccine to encourage the community.•The city of Valdosta engaged the local media to share more about their efforts to encourage city-wide vaccinations and their involvement in GMA’s “It’s Worth a Shot” campaign.•The city of Commerce also instituted a health rewards program, which allowed staff to earn points from getting vaccinated.•The city of Moultrie's community outreach event in March safely hosted local doctors who were trusted by the city's minority population.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 12 of 34
Item # 2
COVID-19
VACCINE
OUTREACH
BEST PRACTICES
13
Attachment number 1 \nPage 13 of 34
Item # 2
14
Attachment number 1 \nPage 14 of 34
Item # 2
ARP SMALL BUSINESS
INITIATIVES
BEST PRACTICES
15
Attachment number 1 \nPage 15 of 34
Item # 2
16
CITY OF BALTIMORE’S BOOST PROGRAM
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s BOOST
program launched an initiative that will provide
local Black-owned businesses technical
assistance and $50,000 financial support to
activate empty storefronts downtown. Providing
this "boost" is an example of types of innovative
ways communities may foster growth in local
communities as a part of the ARP.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 16 of 34
Item # 2
Mayor Scott Establishes the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to
Manage Historic American Rescue Plan Investment
Mayor Brandon M. Scott is establishing the office that will manage a historic $640 million in investment to
Baltimore City through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and appointing the leadership team that will
lead that office.
The Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs will be responsible for administering all aspects of ARPA funding
and regularly reporting to the federal government, as well as the public. Shamiah T. Kerney will direct the
Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs as Chief Recovery Officer. Aaron M. Moore will serve as Deputy
Director. Elizabeth Tatum will serve as Project Manager.
“Putting Baltimoreans back to work, investing in neighborhoods that have historically been left behind,
funding community-based violence reduction initiatives, and closing the digital divide are top priorities as we
develop a plan that maximizes the impact of ARPA dollars,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott.“I am committed to
a transparent process, and this leadership team at the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs will be a key
partner in ensuring accountability and an equitable distribution of this federal investment.”
Attachment number 1 \nPage 17 of 34
Item # 2
18
Fulton County invested a total of $10 million in two minority-owned financial institutions —Loyal Trust Bank and Unity National Bank.
The deposits were made at a ceremony hosted by Chairman Robb Pitts, who sponsored the resolution
prompting the move, where he presented representatives of the banks with celebratory jumbo checks for $5
million each.
“This is a major issue for me and the rest of Fulton County. I’m thrilled to be here today with these big checks
and an even bigger commitment to helping minority owned banks thrive,” Pitts said in a statement.
“Minority-owned banks are a cornerstone of Fulton County and today’s deposits show we are serious about
investing in these institutions.”
Pitts and representatives from the banks highlighted the community impact the deposits in these banks will
have.
“This isn’t just about $5 million —this is an effort spearheaded by Chairman Pitts to recapitalize minority
owned businesses,” George Andrews from Unity National Bank said in a statement.
“The expectation is that we will reinvest this money in the community,” Rose Jarboe, the chairwoman of
Loyal Trust Bank, added. “We really want to work on small business loans and getting those started.”
Attachment number 1 \nPage 18 of 34
Item # 2
ARP
CLEAN WATER
PROJECT
BEST PRACTICES
Attachment number 1 \nPage 19 of 34
Item # 2
20
CALIFORNIA UTILITY PROGRAM
The state’s eviction moratorium expires June 30, raising the stakes for Newsom’s new rent relief proposal. Half of the $5.2 billion
he announced today was already allocated to rent relief in January, and has been slowly rolling out to landlords and tenants as
part of the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act. The second half of funds will also come from the federal government, according to the
state Department of Finance.
The first set of funds came with a series of stipulations laid out by state law, including that the money would cover 80% of back
rent, and landlords would forgive the remaining 20%. If the landlord opted out of the program, tenants would then be eligible for
only a quarter of back rent.
In previous reporting, CalMatters found the program left out many renters who took out loans through credit cards, friends or
other lenders. The funds were also allocated by raw population size, rather than the population of low-income renters as
advocates had hoped, leaving cities with a high proportion of renters like Los Angeles with insufficient funds.
Who will qualify for the additional $2.6 billion in rent relief and how they’ll get it under Newsom’s proposal is still up in the air.
Newsom suggested the new plan will do away with the 80% deal, opting instead to reimburse tenants for 100% of the back rent
they owe.
Newsom’s proposal to dedicate $2 billion to help pay back utility bills follows CalMatters’ reporting that at least 1.6 million
households had water debt that totalled $1 billion and state estimatesthat Californians owe another $1 billion in late gas and
electricity payments.
For the record, this story has been updated to clarify that the $75,000 income threshold is per household, not tax filer,
according to the Department of Finance.
Attachment number 1 \nPage 20 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA PRIORITIES
(SAMPLE LIST)
21
STRATEGIC PRIORITY PURPOSE COST
BLIGHT MITIGATION Mitigate negative impact of growing blighted areas
countywide as a result of global health emergency
TBD
BASIC SERVICES Provide excellent/outstanding service to our residents and
other stakeholders by increasing accessibility to services ,
providing access to public spaces, expanding 311 and other
outreach and transparency efforts.
Includes the development of a unified call center.
TBD
WATER/SEWER Ensure Augustans have access to clean drinking water,
infrastructure without defects, accurate billing and
reasonable costs for service
TBD
ENVIRONMENT Ensure all Augusta environmental resources, major
equipment and infrastructure are efficient and sustainable
for long-term viability. Offset costs related to Green
Augusta implementation, TRANE facility initiative.
TBD
Attachment number 1 \nPage 21 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA PRIORITIES
(SAMPLE LIST)
22
STRATEGIC PRIORITY PURPOSE COST
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Ensure the safety, reliability, and support of public sector
technology needs
TBD
UTILITY ASSISTANCE Provide relief to Augustans negatively impacted by the
pandemic who are past due on utility bills.
TBD
WATER/SEWER Update existing metering technology to ensure appropriate
billing, water flow, and service delivery to Augusta residents
TBD
PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS
PROGRAM
Provide opportunities for unemployed or underemployed
Augustans to receive training and employment for hard to
fill positions. *
LEAP Program
TBD
Attachment number 1 \nPage 22 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA PRIORITIES
(SAMPLE LIST)
23
STRATEGIC PRIORITY PURPOSE COST
SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC
SPACES
Mitigate negative impact of growing blighted areas
countywide as a result of global health emergency. Issues to
be mitigated include illegal dumping, blighted properties, 1
TBD
ESSENTIAL WORKER
SUPPORT
Provide support to essential workers delivering services
during the pandemic via childcare support, premium pay,
mental health supports, and other allowable expenditures.
TBD
VIOLENCE
REDUCTION/PUBLIC
SAFETY TRANSPARENCY
Ensure transparency in the enforcement of pandemic
activities in support of code enforcement and other lawful
activities. Includes the implementation of body camera
deployment (Marshal’s Office) and other technology
activations.
TBD
PUBLIC AWARENESS &
OUTREACH
Ensure all Augustans have access to information related to
the governments efforts to mitigate the impact of the
pandemic. Initiatives and outreach focuses include (but are
not limited to) vaccination incentives, government activities,
public health data, and opportunities for service
TBD
Attachment number 1 \nPage 23 of 34
Item # 2
SAMPLE ARP PROJECT LIST
24
PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION
(ILLUSTRATION ONLY)
TRAVIS/BOYKIN ROAD (WATER)*
ARC CLEAN COUNTY (ARC, DDA,
KEEP AUGUSTA BEAUTIFUL)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING/BLIGHT
MITIGATION
SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR &
RESOURCE CENTER (3 YEAR
PROJECTION)
PREMIUM PAY (LOW & MODERATE
WORKER)
CORPORATE PARK WATERLINE
EXPANSION
YOUTH PROGRAMMING/VIOLENCE
REDUCTION
UTILITY RELIEF*
Attachment number 1 \nPage 24 of 34
Item # 2
SAMPLE ARP PROJECT LIST
25
PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION
(ILLUSTRATION ONLY)
DRAINAGE (WILKINSON GARDEN/
NATIONAL HILLS)
STREETLIGHT*
SMALL BUSINESS GRANT
PROGRAM (EXPANSION)
CVB REVENUE REPLACEMENT
PUBLIC WI-FI (ALL PUBLIC
FACILITES/PARKS)
BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
BUSINESS RETENTION, EXPANSION
& ATTRACTION (AEDA/DDA)
METER REPLACEMENT
EMA OPERATIONS CENTER
Attachment number 1 \nPage 25 of 34
Item # 2
SAMPLE ARP PROJECT LIST
26
PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION
(ILLUSTRATION ONLY)
PREMIUM PAY
PUBLIC SAFETY BONUSES
VACCINATION POGRAM
OFFICE OF RECOVERY PROGRAMS
STAFF AUGMENTATION*
Attachment number 1 \nPage 26 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA RECOVERY PLAN
Attachment number 1 \nPage 27 of 34
Item # 2
CITY/COUNTY PROJECTS &
INITIATIVES
•Establish slate of projects deemed
beneficial, necessary, & appropriate
•Projects would be presented to the
Commission for approval
•The slate of projects/investments
included in the preliminary Augusta
Recovery Plan (ARP)
•TOTAL FUNDED = TBD
28
Attachment number 1 \nPage 28 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA RECOVERY COMMITTEE
(ARC)
•Establish Augusta Recovery
Committee (ARC) to work with city
staff to review potential projects
•Projects would be scored according to
standardized evaluation criteria
•ARC will recommend slate of
projects/investments for inclusion in
the preliminary Augusta Recovery
Plan (ARP)
•TOTAL FUNDED = TBD
29
Attachment number 1 \nPage 29 of 34
Item # 2
30
EVALUATION CRITERIA (SAMPLE)
CRITERIA
Does the project address the negative impact of COVID-19?
Does the project respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19?
If neither criterion above is not met, then project must be funded from lost revenue due to COVID-19?
Can the project be completed by 12/31/2026?
Does the project advance a stated strategic priority? List priority and objective above.
Does the project reduce future City operating costs, protect a significant City asset, or reduce a significant future liability?Provide
explanation on separate page.
Does the project address a racial, economic, or social inequity? Does the project advance inclusion? Provide explanation on separate
page.
Does the project have a positive ROI, benefit-cost, or social impact return? Provide explanation on separate page.
Does the project complement other investments or approved plans creating synergy? Provide explanation on separate page.
Does the project leverage other external resources? Provide explanation on separate page.
Does the project have a community partner who is able to bring resources to the table?
Other Criteria
Does the project have any on-going operating/legacy costs? Include amount.
Are there other considerations that impact the project ranking?
Attachment number 1 \nPage 30 of 34
Item # 2
31
DRAFT TIMELINE FOR EXTERNAL PROJECTS
Task Due Date
Develop project application and instructions
Appoint ARC
Solicit for potential projects
Completed applications due
Score projects
ARC meet to review projects (#1)
ARC meet to review projects (#2)
ARC recommends slate of projects
Develop preliminary ARP
Community meetings to share plan (3)
ARP is shared widely across the County
ARP submitted to Commission for approval
Attachment number 1 \nPage 31 of 34
Item # 2
AUGUSTA COMMISSION SPECIAL
PROJECT LIST
•Establish Augusta Recovery Priorities
with options to review unfunded
projects or District specific projects
•ARP criteria guide for project
selection to ensure compliance.
•Funding allocation by 8 districts, 2
Super Districts, and Office of the
Mayor.
TOTAL FUNDED = TBD
32
Attachment number 1 \nPage 32 of 34
Item # 2
PUBLIC SAFETY & PREMIUM PAY
ARP funding would be utilized
under the allowable categories
of Premium Pay and Revenue
Replacement. Costs are shown
for 2021 (September -
December) and for all of FY2022
with the ARP as the proposed
funding source. Augusta is in the
beginning stages of the 2022
budget process. At the present
time the recommendation is to
fund the move to $15 /hour
program cost from ARP
proceeds, although this may
change.
The Department of Treasury will
release final guidance within the
next 30 days.If the updated
guidance changes the allowable uses
of funds, the recommended source
of funds may change.
33
Attachment number 1 \nPage 33 of 34
Item # 2
VAX UP AUGUSTA
This week President Joseph Biden directed States and Counties to leverage American Rescue Plan Funding to fund vaccination incentives of $100 per person who becomes fully vaccinated (e.g. 1 shot Johnson & Johnson; 2 shots Moderna/Pfizer).
Staff Recommendation
Allocation of $1,000,000 for vaccine awareness, incentives, and coordination with a goal of 9,000fully vaccinated residents over six months specifically via these efforts.
34
Attachment number 1 \nPage 34 of 34
Item # 2