Subject:
Title
Council Acceptance of $49,290.06 in Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utility Relief
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Commonwealth of Virginia established a new Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) grant to offset past due utility bills incurred from March 1-December 30, 2020; to utilize these funds, the delinquency must be related to the pandemic, as spelled out in the grant language. While the grant may be applied to residential and commercial customers, the Commonwealth’s intent was to help as many customers as possible, not just a few big commercial customers.
The grant requires that customers attest that their delinquent bill is due to the pandemic. Town staff has coordinated with Fairfax County (who will pass the funds through to the Town) and is sending out these forms to identified water and sewer customers. Town staff also will call customers to ensure that we can expend the entire grant by the January 29, 2021 deadline. The grant also covers up to 5% in administrative expenses, which will easily cover the amount of postage for the mailing.
The finance director requests that Council accept an amendment to the subrecipient award with the county and accept the CRF utility grant for $49,290.06 to assist our customers with delinquent utility bills.
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a fiscally responsible community.
Departmental Recommendation: Accept CRF Utility Relief Grant for $49,290.06
Finance Recommendation: Accept CRF Utility Relief Grant for $49,290.06
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town may accept the state CRF utility relief grant in the discretion of Town Council.
Town Manager's Recommendation: The Town Manager recommends the Town Council accept $49,290.06 in CRF utility grant funds to assist Town of Vienna water and sewer customers
Cost and Financing: $49,290.06 grant funding
Account Number: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: 1/4/21
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to accept $49,290.06 in CRF utility grant funds to assist Town of Vienna water and sewer customers."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.