By Cindy Jackson
Reporter
May 26, 2021
Taco Pope, County Manager and David Jahosky of the Government Services Group were on hand at the most recent meeting (May 24, 2021) Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), and the actual “ARP” or American Rescue Plan and its intended impact on Nassau County.
The ARPA is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March of this year.
The ARPA might be described as the sequel to the CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act which authorized more than $2 trillion to counter the impact of COVID-19). The CARES Act became law in March 2020 of which Nassau County received over $15 million.
According to guidance provided by the US Treasury, Nassau County is set to receive two payments which will total $17.18 million. 50% was received May 2021 and the remaining 50% will be received in twelve months – no sooner.
Said County Manager Pope, “we’re not rolling out a rescue plan, we’re rolling out a prosperity plan.”
During Jahosky’s presentation to the Board, he outlined the five primary categories for which funds can be used. They are:
• Strategic Infrastructure Investment (things like water, sewer and broadband)
• Local Business Incubation
• Revenue Stabilization
• Assistance to Nonprofits and other Community Organizations; and
• Strategic Investment in the Mitigation of Economic Uncertainty
Under the heading of nonprofit assistance, Pope envisions the County providing a liaison service to those groups to help identify resources and navigate the process.
Jahosky described the CARES Act as “a sprint” while he views the ARPA as “a marathon,” a recovery program expected to last about three years.
Additional guidance is expected to be issued later this summer but, in the meantime, Jahosky made mention of certain prohibitions already in place. There can be no net reduction in tax revenue and no deposits can be made to fund pension liabilities. In addition, monies cannot be used that would duplicate programs already in place. For instance, a rental assistance program is now offered by the State so the County cannot and will not be providing such a service.
In addition, just like with CARES, there are “claw back provisions” in place with ARPA monies which simply means that money received (by the County) must be returned if a discrepancy is discovered showing that rules and regulations were not followed correctly.
Both Jahosky and Pope underscored the disparity in per capita allotments in total ARPA allocations to the county and municipalities.
With no questions asked by BOCC members after the presentation, a motion passed unanimously approving the document providing the basic information/suggested framework for moving forward with the Nassau County Prosperity Plan. Before any monies are spent, however, it will be necessary for staff to come before the Commissioners again.
As Jahosky noted in his portion of the presentation, the time between now until additional guidance is provided (expected in the next 60-90 days), will allow the County to engage in extensive planning and prioritizing.
How much money is Government Services Group being paid – and can this cost come out of the federal money? Thank you.
Good Afternoon, Mary.
I have reached out to get an answer to the question you pose and will send it along to you as soon as I can.
That being said, the County encourages input (and questions) from its constituents and prides itself on responding in a timely manner.
So, in the future you may want to contact them directly.
A good number to start with is the County Manager’s office. That number is 904-530-6010.
Said Taco Pope, (Nassau) County Manager:
“GSG’s fee is a 100% covered by the federal money. No local tax dollars will be spent on GSG’s services.”
That being said, I am still waiting to hear what the total dollar figure is.
But again, it is my suggestion to simply contact the government agency directly. That is the most efficient way to go.
Thanks much for reading The Observer and wanting to know more.
Cindy
With the ARPA funding, Fernandina Beach will finally be able to complete much needed street repairs, including the critical repair of Spanish Way, as well as the repair of other city infrastructure.
A welcome “intrusion” by the federal government.
Enough money to turn that pesky money pit golf course into some low cost affordable housing w/ playgrounds and ball fields.