Mayor Gutierrez stated Dr. Browne will be providing a plan overview regarding the timing and distributions of funds. He indicated that the City is receiving $9,166,792.19. He stated that last week Congressman Gonzales presented the City with the ceremonial check.
City Manager Dr. Mark Browne provided the following PowerPoint presentation answering questions and gathering Council's feedback:
Background
- Expected stimulus package – $9 million
- Expected to receive funds in two tranches
- First tranche - (equal to 50% of the allocation - $4.5 million) within 60 days of enactment
- Second tranche (the remaining 50%) not earlier than one year after the first disbursement
- Key dates to keep in mind
- December 31, 2024: Funds must be obligated
- December 31, 2026: End of period of performance
Limitations on Spending
Areas where money can be spent
- Category 1: Support public health expenditures
- Category 2: Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency
- Category 3: Replace lost public sector revenue
- Category 4: Provide premium pay for essential workers
- Category 5: Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure
At pre-budget retreat discussed putting money in each category
Proposal for Spending
- Staff's spending proposal for 1st tranche - $4.5 million
- Category 1: Support public health expenditures - $423,250
- Category 2: Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency - $1.4 million
- Category 3: Replace lost public sector revenue - $63,500
- Category 4: Provide premium pay for essential workers - $500,000
- Category 5: Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure - $2.2 million
- Combined proposed amount: $4,586,750
Category 1: Support public health expenditures
- Funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts certain public health and safety staff, etc.
- Overtime amounts for Public Safety
Proposed spending amount: $423,250
- $296.400 for Police
- $126,850 EMS
Category 2: Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency
- Develop matching grant program for businesses/non-profits
Proposed spending amount: $1.4 million
Category 3: Replace lost public sector revenue
- Lost revenues from Rentals (Civic Center, Parks Pavilions) experienced due to the pandemic – budget to actual
Proposed spending amount: $63,500
Category 4: Provide premium pay for essential workers
- Lump sum of $1,000 for every employee
Proposed spending amount: $500,000
Category 5: Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure
- Master Communication Plan - $500,000
- Generators - $500,000
- Edwards Wells and NACO Tower ($225K)
- I35/Morning Drive and Corbett Water Towers ($262K)
- Water/Sewer projects (Crest Oak Sewer Line) - $1.2 million
Proposed spending amount: $2.2 million
Second Tranche - $4.5 million
- Same structure, or;
- Use entire amount in category 5 – investments in water, sewer, and broad Loop Line Construction ($664K)
- Aviation Heights Phase 8 Waterline replacements ($550K)
- SCADA replacement Phases 1,2,3 ($189K total)
- Replace I35 Elevated Storage Tank piping ($400K)
- Greenshire Drive AC Waterline Design & Construction ($3.3M)
- Ware-Seguin Water Tank ($350K)
- Wastewater Town Creek Phase IV Route Study/Design/Easement ($900K)
- band infrastructure
- Greytown to Pfeil
Members of Council commented on the following:
- Possible reimbursement for COVID-19 Clinic clean up
- Matching grant programs for businesses - non-profits - application process, amount of match
- Emphasis on businesses that were impacted during COVID-19 pandemic
- Permit fees - shortage of building materials
- Premium pay for essential workers, amount to the workers was discussed
- Debt revenue - funds city lost during the pandemic