Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus Public Health’s Office of Emergency Preparedness has been awarded funds from Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA), originating from the US Department of Homeland Security, for exercise and training services. This ordinance will authorize the acceptance of these funds and the appropriation of $50,000.00, for the period of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.
The BioWatch program has established a professional network of federal, state, and local public safety partners to support local public health bioterrorism preparedness. Since 2009, Columbus Public Health has coordinated the Columbus BioWatch program and maintained plans for this bioterrorism early detection program. Our primary purpose is to continue collaboration of a coordinated advisory council of local response agencies and provide them with situation awareness for biological threats and hazards. Additionally, we manage and promote bioterrorism preparedness throughout the cities of Columbus and Worthington and Franklin County.
FISCAL IMPACT
Columbus Public Health's BioWatch program will not generate revenue or require a city match. ($50,000.00)
EMERGENCY
Emergency action is requested to coordinate with agencies to plan, train and evaluate in order to ensure a coordinated response for biological threats and hazard; and to avoid forfeiture of the grant.
Title
To authorize and direct the Board of Health to accept BioWatch grant funds from Ohio EPA in the amount of $50,000.00; to authorize the appropriation of $50,000.00 and any additional funds from the unappropriated balance of the Health Department Grants Fund; to authorize the City Auditor to transfer appropriations between object classes; and to declare an emergency. ($50,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, grant funds have been awarded to Columbus Public Health from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the BioWatch grant program for the period of June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 and,
WHEREAS, it...
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