Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, established the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program on December 27, 2020. The Act authorized The U.S. Treasury to make payments to states and eligible units of local government, including the City of Columbus, to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under phase one of this program (ERA-1), the City received $26,822,803.20 in ERA-1 proceeds in February 2021. The authorization to accept and appropriate these funds was granted pursuant to Ordinance 0284-2021.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (March 11, 2021), authorized a second round of Emergency Rental Assistance funding (ERA-2) to eligible grantees (e.g. states and eligible units of local government). Under phase two of this program, the City of Columbus was allocated $21,223,628.80 in ERA-2 funding. As such, the City received a partial payment of $12,774,607.20 in ERA-2 proceeds in May 2021. This $12.8 million received to date represents 60 percent of the total award. The U.S. Treasury will release the remainder of these funds at a future date. This ordinance therefore seeks authority to accept and appropriate these proceeds.
Where expenditures require City Council approval in accordance with the Columbus City Codes, city departments will advance said legislation for consideration by City Council.
Emergency Designation: Emergency consideration is requested so that funds made available to the city can begin to be used as quickly as possible. A process has been instituted to allow the Department of Finance and Management and the City Auditor to transfer appropriations to City agencies.
Fiscal Impact: The City received $12,774,607.20 in funding from the U.S. Treasury. Acceptance and appropriation of these funds is now necessary. Funds will not be appropriated within individual department budgets, however subsequent required transfers to departments will be authorized as needed.
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