Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The Act established the Coronavirus Relief Fund, and authorized The U.S. Treasury to make payments from the Fund to states and eligible units of local government, including the City of Columbus, to address the effects of this public health emergency.
Where expenditures require City Council approval in accordance with Columbus City Code, city departments will advance said legislation for consideration by City Council.
The CARES Act requires that the payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund only be used to cover expenses that-
(1) are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19);
(2) were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the State or government; and
(3) were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020.
The Department of Finance and Management will be responsible for monitoring the distribution and appropriate expenditure of CARES Act funds based on guidance provided by the United States Department of Treasury. In conjunction with the City Auditor, the Department of Finance and Management is requesting these funds be appropriated to sub-funds established to support the delivery of critical City services directly related to COVID-19 response; human services and support of human services agencies impacted by COVID-19; and support for COVID-19 economic recovery and resiliency efforts. Establishing these sub-funds will assure expenditures are aligned with the priorities established by the Mayor and City Council and will help facilitate the proper accounting of COVID-19 related expenditures.
Furthermore, the City Treasurer, upon receipt of the funds, deposited the funds into a StarOhio account until such time tha...
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