Title
Resolution authorizing the emergency appropriation of $9,802,090.14 in Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) funding for the purposes of assisting households that are unable to pay rent or utilities.
Staff Summary
* The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created the Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) Program on March 11, 2021. ERA2 allocations were based on the number of very low-income renter households paying more than 50 percent of income on rent or living in substandard or overcrowded conditions, rental market costs, and change in employment since February 2020.
* At least 90 percent of awarded funds must be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing. Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed. ERA2 funds generally expire on September 30, 2025.
* Lake County's first allocation for ERA2 was $6,534,726.76, which was appropriated in October 2021. The second allocation in the amount of $9,802,090.14 was received in January 2022 to complete Lake County's full allocation. These funds are used to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities. Assistance is provided to both landlords and tenants. It is necessary to appropriate both the revenue and expense for use.
* Lake County also received $20,646,762.50 as part of the ERA1 program for similar purposes.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Lake County received an allocation of Emergency Rental Assistance 2 (ERA2) funding in the amount of $6,534,726.26 and a second allocation in the amount of $9,802,090.14; and
WHEREAS, the funds will be utilized to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities; and
WHEREAS, an emergency appropriation is necessary to appropriate the revenue and expense such that it can be expended for the stated purpose.
NOW, T...
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