Over the past several months the Nassau CARES team has been working diligently to secure approximately $15.5 million in CARES Act funds for our community, partners and government agencies. We are proud to let the Board know that to date we have secured approximately $6.9 million and are actively executing the Nassau CARES Expenditure Plan.  

Over the last few weeks, additional guidance has come from the US Treasury and the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Based on the new guidance, Nassau County is prepared to secure an additional $8.5 million in CARES Act funds and positioned to secure additional CARES Act funds if made available. By including external auditors and legal counsel in our strategy development, we are able to minimize the risk to the County while maximizing the grant award. 

The additional funds will allow the Nassau CARES Team to fully execute the County's expenditure plan, replenish County reserves spent to fund the expenditure plan, and establish a contingency fund to offset cognizant disallowances. The expenditure plan includes allocating funds requested by our municipalities, Constitutional Offices, School District, Dept. of Health, and partner organizations to reimburse them for eligible expenditures previously submitted. 

Back up for this item includes guidance from the U.S. Treasury (see items 68-73), FDEM guidance on public safety substantially dedicated personnel, a copy of a recent presentation from FDEM, an email from the County's external auditor, a copy of the Nassau CARES Team 10/21 presentation to the BOCC, and the approved Nassau CARES Expenditure Plan and corresponding updated line item detail.  In addition, more information on U.S. Treasury on CRF funding can be found here: https://www.naco.org/events/naco-national-membership-call-us-treasury-crf-reporting-requirements.

Taco Pope, County Manager and David Jahosky, Government Services Group, to update the Board on Nassau CARES.

We ask the Board to consider the following:

• Approve the submission of Public Safety Costs to Florida Department of Emergency Management for reimbursement.
• Affirm the Nassau CARES Expenditure Plan and amended line item detail.
• Upon receipt of reimbursement for Public Safety Costs:
  • Continue executing the BOCC approved Nassau CARES Expenditure Plan
  • Return/Reimburse the $2.3 million taken from the Nassau County Emergency Reserves and Capital Reserves used to fund Tier 2 of the Nassau Cares Expenditure Plan.
  • Create a designated contingency of $1.5 million to offset cognizant disallowance.
  • Create a designated contingency of $150,000 for five years of post-award monitoring assistance.