Title
Resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation of $628,000 of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the continuation of the COVID-19 call center at the Health Department as well as associated software licenses in Fund 746 ARPA Fund.
Staff Summary
• The ARPA was signed into law on March 11, 2021. On May 19, 2021 the County received $67,646,879, half of the amount the County will receive in total from the US Treasury.
• The funds can be used for needs associated with public health, to counteract negative economic impacts, provide services to disproportionately impacted communities, for infrastructure, to provide premium pay, to replace lost revenue, and for administrative purposes during a period from March 3, 2021 to December 31, 2024.
• The Health Department is requesting ARPA funding in the amount of $628,000 to continue the enhanced call center which handles phone calls and emails regarding COVID-19 information, testing and vaccinations.
• This funding will allow the call center to be staffed by 10 full time equivalent call-takers and 2 leads, with flexibility as demand changes. The amount also includes sixteen licenses for AllVax which are needed in the operations of the call center.
• This initiative falls under a direct expenditure category within the ARPA guidance and is anticipated to meet all the requirements for reporting and compliance.
• Authority to spend appropriated funds and execute any and all agreements with partners related to this allocation and distribution of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds is delegated to the County Administrator or their designee(s).
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Health Department expanded its existing call center to handle phone calls and emails regarding COVID-19 information, testing and vaccinations; and
WHEREAS, the original funding source of CARES Act funding is no longer available; and
WHEREAS, this use has been determined to meet the requirements of a direct expenditure category within the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) guidelines; and
WHEREAS, ongoing and uninterrupted operations of this call center are critical to the COVID-19 response and recovery of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, Lake County received ARPA funds from the federal government to help support Lake County recover from and respond to the negative impacts caused by this and future pandemics; and
WHEREAS, Lake County believes it is an appropriate use of ARPA funds to support the expanded Health Department call center by awarding the use of up to $628,000 of such funds for this purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that an emergency appropriation in the amount of $560,000 is hereby authorized in Fund 746 ARPA Fund in account 746-1000063-79940 (miscellaneous contractual services) and $68,000 is authorized in account 746-1000063-71230 (software and online services) to support the Health Department Call Center initiative; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the authority to spend funds in accordance with the appropriated budget and to execute any and all agreements related to the allocation of funds is hereby delegated to the County Administrator or his designee(s).
DATED at Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois on November 9, 2021.