AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 31, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Esperanz colo Maron city Manage un le War
PREPARED BY: Esperanza Colio Warren, City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion/Action of Essential Worker Relief Program Guidelines, Funded with American-Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Recommendation:
Discussion/Action Regarding the Adoption of the Calexico Essential Workers Relief Program Guidelines Funded with American-Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Background:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, delivers $350 billion to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19. ARPA funds can be used for any of the following activities:
• Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services up to the amount of revenue lost due to the pandemic. • Respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, by supporting the health of communities, and helping households, small businesses, impacted industries, nonprofits, and the public sector recover from economic impacts.
• Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors. • Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, to support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand affordable access to broadband internet.
In response to the ARPA guidelines, on March 16, 2022, the City of Calexico approved a spending plan of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for eligible activities. Among, the activities approved by the city council was $1,000,000 to be distributed among Essential Workers that worked during the high peak of the Coronavirus pandemic period (March 17, 2020 - November 8, 2021).
Discussion & Analysis:
The following are options for the city council to distribute the allocation of $1,000,000 to participants affected by the Coronavirus pandemic:
Eligibility:
1. Residents of the City of Calexico able to produce the following information:
2. Complete Program Application.
3. Personal Identification.
4. Proof of Calexico Residency (water, electricity and/or gas bill).
5. Pay Stubs (2) that demonstrates the applicant worked in stores located in the City of Calexico between March 17, 2022 - November 8, 2021.
Options:
1. Distribution of $500 vouchers from Calexico local stores (Food for Less, Walmart, Dollar Tree, 99 Cents Store, Gas Stations, and any small store willing to coordinate with the City of Calexico the distribution of vouchers). This option allows businesses located in the City of Calexico to benefit from this program. This choice also restricts the use of ARPA funding from alcohol and tobacco.
2. Distribution of $500 check. This option requires the completion of a W-9 form. The use of this form is to provide the city with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the applicant.
3. Distribution of more $600 or more. This option requires the completion of a W-9 form.
The use of this form is to provide the city with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the applicant. Funds distributed will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Restrictions:
1. No more than two (2) vouchers per household. If two families live in the same house, only one voucher will be distributed to each eligible family.
2. Applicants must be 18 years old.
2 Notes:
1. Implementing this program will require two (2) temporary workers to assist with the application process and distribution of funds. The estimated cost for the temporary workers is approximately $75,000.
2. A total of $925,000 will be distributed to approximately 1,850 eligible applicants ($500 per applicant). If the city council desires to increase the assistance, less applicants wil be helped.
Fiscal Impact:
$1,000,000 from ARPA Allocated Funds.
Coordinated With:
City Manager.
Finance Department.
Attachment(s):
1. Application Form.
2. Checklist.
3