Chapter 3.27
THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARP) FUND
Sections:
3.27.010 CREATION OF THE ARP GRANT FUND (8950-8975).
3.27.020 PURPOSE OF THE ARP GRANT.
3.27.030 PLAN CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION.
3.27.040 APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS.
3.27.010 CREATION OF THE ARP GRANT FUND (8950-8975).
The Vanderburgh County Auditor shall establish a fund entitled “The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) Fund (the “ARP Grant Fund”)” with a fund number of 8950-8975 and shall deposit all of its allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under Section 603 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the ARP, into the separate fund.
(Ord. 10-21-012 § 1, amended, 10/12/2021; Ord. 04-21-007 § 1, added, 4/27/2021)
3.27.020 PURPOSE OF THE ARP GRANT.
The purpose of the ARP Grant Fund shall be in accordance with and used only for the purposes outlined in Section 603(c) of the ARP, specifically:
(A) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality;
(B) to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID–19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers of the metropolitan city, nonentitlement unit of local government, or county that are performing such essential work, or by providing grants to eligible employers that have eligible workers who perform essential work;
(C) for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such metropolitan city, nonentitlement unit of local government, or county due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the metropolitan city, nonentitlement unit of local government, or county prior to the emergency; or
(D) to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.
(Ord. 10-21-012 § 2, amended, 10/12/2021; Ord. 04-21-007 § 2, added, 4/27/2021)
3.27.030 PLAN CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION.
A plan (the “Plan”) that provides the details, conditions and rules for the use of these funds shall be created and implemented. The Plan shall correspond to the elements as laid out in Section 603 of the ARP and Section 2 of this Ordinance. This Ordinance and Plan may be amended as any other ordinance or plan as long as the amendment complies with Section 603. The initial Plan is attached hereto and marked as “Exhibit A.”
(Ord. 10-21-012 § 3, amended, 10/12/2021; Ord. 04-21-007 § 3, added, 4/27/2021)
3.27.040 APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS.
The ARP Grant Fund shall be appropriated by the County fiscal body before use. All expenditures of funds shall be approved by the Board of Commissioners with any and all claims to be paid from the County’s ARP Grant Fund. All disbursements must go through the normal claims process in I.C. §5-11-10-1.6 and be supported with sufficient documentation. All disbursements must be made directly from the ARP Grant Fund. Money in the ARP Grant Fund may not be transferred to another fund of the unit. Any unused funds shall be paid back to the United States Treasury when required.
(Ord. 10-21-012 § 4, amended, 10/12/2021; Ord. 04-21-007 § 4, added, 4/27/2021)
3.27.050 INTERNAL CONTROLS.
Internal controls must be designed, implemented, and documented to provide reasonable assurance that the ARP Grant Funds will be safeguarded and used in accordance with the ARP. Each of the five components of internal control is necessary to form a complete internal control process: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring Activities.
(Ord. 10-21-012 § 5, amended, 10/12/2021; Ord. 04-21-007 § 5, added, 4/27/2021)
Exhibit A VANDERBURGH COUNTY AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) CORONAVIRUS LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND UTILIZATION PLAN.
The American Rescue Plan (“ARP”) Act of 2021 provides funds to local governments to assist with recovery efforts related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Vanderburgh County (the “County”) has received a total of Thirty-Five Million Two Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Dollars ($35,244,730.00) in ARP funds (the “Funds”) to date.
ARP requires each recipient to establish a local fund for the grant money, to identify the uses for which the recipient intends to use the grant money, and to adopt a plan detailing the use of the Funds. The County previously adopted a preliminary ARP Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Utilization Plan (the “Plan”), which is Exhibit A of County Ordinance 21-012, and a First Amendment by adding the listed project expenditures numbered one (1) through five (5). The County further amended the Plan by adding projects number six (6) through twenty-four (24) and identifying the category for which it intends to use the Funds for that category. The County amends the Plan by adding projects twenty-five (25) and twenty-six (26) and increasing funding for project twenty-four (24). Following appropriation by the Vanderburgh County Council as the fiscal body, the Board of Commissioners adopt the following Amendment to Exhibit A by amending the respective sections of the Plan and adding the sections as listed below. Any section not listed below shall continue as enacted and unaffected by this Amendment. As further guidance and directives become available, the County may further amend the Plan. In accordance with Section 603(c)(1)(c) of the Social Security Act and Vanderburgh County Ordinance 10-21-012, the County plans to use the Funds as follows:
1. Broadband - $9,900,000.00
Expenditure Category 5.171 Broadband: Other Projects. The County will allocate and spend Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($9,900,000.00) as its share of a Thirty-Nine Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollar ($39,600,000.00) project with AT&T to install a 10 Gbps symmetric XGSPON fiber network that will offer highspeed broadband service to unserved and underserved residents and businesses. The project will bring a fiber broadband service to rural areas of the County including an additional twenty thousand six hundred thirty-three (20,633) customer locations.
2. Kansas Road Storm Sewers, Phase 2 - $471,123.002
Expenditure Category 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater. The County will allocate and spend Four Hundred Seventy-One Thousand One Hundred Twenty-Three Dollars ($471,123.00) for Kansas Road Storm Sewers, Phase 2. Kansas Road is being reconstructed between Petersburg Road and Cayes Drive, which is a length of approximately 0.67 miles. The scope of work for this project includes improvements in the inadequate stormwater drainage system along the road. The existing roadside ditches are not adequate for the existing stormwater flows due to increased development along the road combined with more intense rainfall events. New storm sewers will be installed on the road in order to upgrade the drainage system to meet current standards. The construction of the storm sewers will result in infrastructure that will be more capable of accommodating severe weather events. By providing new drainage systems, the frequency of flooding will be reduced and the safety of the road will be improved. Due to increasing costs and reductions in revenue, sufficient funding is not currently available to complete these projects. This project was delayed in 2020 due to the concerns associated with lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project will satisfy the objective of meeting a critical need for investments and improvements to stormwater infrastructure as stated in the May 17, 2021 U.S. Treasury Interim Final Rule (the “Interim Final Rule”) for the use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds on the storm sewer project will lay the foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery by providing opportunities for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises and Women-Owned Business Enterprises through the County’s existing MBE/WBE policies. These existing policies require construction contracts to have MBE/WBE hiring goals. The utilization of these policies in the local construction projects helps to develop skilled labor in the local workforce. By promoting the development of additional skilled workers, this helps to ensure the timely completion of local infrastructure projects both now and on future projects.
3. Boonville New Harmony Road Storm Sewers - $1,900,000.00
Expenditure Category 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater. The County will allocate and spend One Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,900,000.00) for Boonville-New Harmony Road Storm Sewers. Boonville-New Harmony Road is being reconstructed between Petersburg Road and State Road 57, which is a length of approximately one (1) mile. The scope of work for this project includes improvements in the inadequate stormwater drainage system along the road. The existing roadside ditches are not adequate for the existing stormwater flows due to increased development along the road combined with more intense rainfall events. New storm sewers will be installed on the road in order to upgrade the drainage system to meet current standards. The construction of the storm sewers will result in infrastructure that will be more capable of accommodating severe weather events. By providing new drainage systems, the frequency of flooding will be reduced and the safety of the road will be improved. Due to increasing costs and reductions in revenue, sufficient funding is not currently available to complete these projects. This project was delayed in 2020 due to the concerns associated with lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project will meet the objective of meeting a critical need for investments and improvements to stormwater infrastructure as stated in the May 17, 2021 Interim Final Rule for the use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds on the storm sewer project will lay the foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery by providing opportunities for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises and Women-Owned Business Enterprises through the County’s existing MBE/WBE policies. These existing policies require construction contracts to have MBE/WBE hiring goals. The utilization of these policies in the local construction projects helps to develop skilled labor in the local workforce. By promoting the development of additional skilled workers, this helps to ensure the timely completion of local infrastructure projects both now and on future projects.
4. Boonville-New Harmony Road – Interstate 69 Sanitary Sewer – $3,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 5.2 Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance. The County will allocate and spend Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) for the Boonville-New Harmony Road – Interstate 69 Sanitary Sewer. The west side of the Interstate 69 – Boonville-New Harmony Road interchange is not currently served by sanitary sewers. The existing residential properties near this interchange are currently on septic systems. The proposed sanitary sewer for this interchange will provide a lift station in the southwest quadrant of the interchange, as well as approximately one thousand six hundred (1,600) feet of gravity sewer. The gravity sewer will allow numerous existing homes to connect to a sanitary sewer, thereby eliminating the possibility of stormwater pollution associated with the discharge from their existing septic systems. The construction of this will also facilitate the proposed construction of a new school for an existing church located within the project limits. The lift station construction will also allow for commercial growth on the west side of the interchange. No commercial development can currently be constructed near this interchange due to the lack of sewers. As the construction of Interstate 69 nears completion in Indiana, more traffic will utilize the highway and travel by the Boonville-New Harmony – 69 interchange. This additional traffic will make the interchange a more desirable site from a development perspective.
This sewer project was also delayed due to funding concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The design of the project was halted for most of 2020.
This project meets the objectives of Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds in several ways. First, the project will assist in meeting a critical need for investment in sanitary sewer infrastructure. Second, the project will help establish the foundation for a strong equitable economic recovery through the additional jobs that will be created as a result of the development of the land surrounding the project. There will be commercial land available next to the ramps on the west side of the interchange, and future extensions of the gravity sewers will allow for more residential growth in the vicinity of the project. The use of Fiscal Recovery Funds for this sewer project will also provide funding for a project that protects public health and safety. By providing sanitary sewer service to an area that is currently not served, this will help to protect nearby waterbodies, such as Schlensker Ditch, from pollution as a result eliminating additional septic systems that could pollute stormwater runoff. As is the case with the Kansas Road and Boonville-New Harmony Road storm sewer projects, this sewer project will also utilize the County’s MBE/WBE policies. As a result, this project helps to promote the development of a skilled local workforce.
5. Woods Avenue/Franklin Street/Elm Street Drainage Improvements – $500,000.00
Expenditure Category 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater. The County will allocate and spend Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for Woods Avenue/Franklin Street/Elm Street Drainage Improvements. The Woods Avenue/Franklin Street/Elm Street neighborhood is an example of a location that is experiencing routine flooding as a result of more frequent and extreme precipitation events. The planned scope of work for this project is the installation of storm sewers that would replace existing undersized storm sewers, and it would also add storm sewers where none currently exist. This neighborhood is a lower income neighborhood that has been fully developed for decades. The use of Fiscal Recovery Funds on this project will provide an investment in infrastructure that will assist in meeting the critical need for improvements to existing storm sewer infrastructure in western Vanderburgh County. The use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds on this storm sewer project will lay the foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery by providing opportunities for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises and Women-Owned Business Enterprises through the County’s existing MBE/WBE policies. These existing policies require construction contracts to have MBE/WBE hiring goals. The utilization of these policies in the local construction projects helps to develop skilled labor in the local workforce.
6. Record Archival Scanning - $10,161.003
Expenditure Category 5.174 Broadband: Other Projects. The County will allocate, and spend no more than, Ten Thousand One Hundred Sixty-One Dollars ($10,161.00) for Record Archival Scanning. ARC Document Solutions, Inc. will scan County documents from the Vanderburgh County Engineer to provide digital imaging and document conversion. Under ARP, record archival scanning is eligible as a pre-project cost associated with planning and engineering for an eligible broadband infrastructure build-out. This will eventually lead to updated and more accurate road and right-of-way information on the GIS system for ease of search and use by residents and vendors.
7. Aid to Impacted Industries: Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality – $1,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.35 Aid to Impacted Industries: Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality. The County intends to appropriate One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This includes assistance to non-profits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency.
Non-profits and cultural institutions are significant drivers of the County’s tourism, travel, and hospitality industry. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance for the relief for certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address for reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
The County will specifically fund the following investments:
a. Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science-$201,667.00: Its mission statement is “enriching lives through Preservation, Exploration, Enlightenment and Amazement,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
b. Children’s Museum of Evansville-$201,667.00: Its mission is “to create extraordinary experiences that ignite the imaginations of children and families through the power of play,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
c. Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra-$201,666.00: The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra is “transforming lives and uplifting the community through the power of music...since 1934.” In addition, “as the largest arts institution in the Tri-State area, the impact of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestral Corporation extends beyond the concert hall. We serve a vital educational role for area students ranging from pre-school through high school. We provide numerous community-outreach programs that play a critical role in attracting new businesses to the area. We help make the Tri-State an attractive place to work and live with a thriving cultural environment.” This meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
d. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve-$135,000.00: “Wesselman Woods provides environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences designed to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of area residents and visitors. The mission of Wesselman Nature Society is to preserve and protect Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands for future generations through conservation, education, research, and to provide equal access to nature,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
e. Evansville African American Museum-$100,000.00: “The mission of the Evansville African American Museum is to continually develop a resource and cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditions of African American families, organizations, and communities,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
f. The Reitz Home Preservation Society, Inc.-$100,000.00: Its mission is “to maintain, restore, preserve, and furnish the Reitz Home Museum as an artistic, cultural, historic, and educational museum for the benefit of students and visitors from the region and the world,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
g. Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana-$60,000.00: Its mission is “enhancing quality of life in the region and bolstering economic development by way of advocating and promoting arts, arts education and arts organizations in Southwest Indiana,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
8. Coroner’s Office - $3,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 1.7, COVID-19 Mitigation & Prevention, Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses. The County intends to appropriate Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for relocating the County Coroner’s Office and morgue in response to the effects of the pandemic. The Interim Final Rules overview specifically identify “morgue staff” as an eligible public health expense and many jurisdictions have had to pay for staff and capacity needs as a direct result of COVID-19. The pandemic has exacerbated and directly led to the need for a new morgue to safely handle the increases due to the pandemic.
The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office had the most deaths investigated last year (2021) ever. The Coroner’s Office is staffed twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, three hundred sixty-five (365) days per year. The total number of deaths reported in 2021 was two thousand two hundred twenty-three (2,223), the highest ever. Four hundred thirty-six (436) cases were determined to be under the jurisdiction of the Coroner, also the highest ever. The current facility was built to handle approximately half those number of cases. These cases clearly evidence the increased strain placed on the morgue and the need for a new facility to properly handle the increased volume of reports and investigations.
9. Jail Mental Health Wing - $1,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 1.7, COVID-19 Mitigation & Prevention, Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses. The County intends to appropriate One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for a mental health and dependency diversion unit (the “Unit”). The Unit will be constructed on the premises of the current location of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and owned by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Authority in the same manner as the current facilities. The Unit will be operated by a third-party, medical and/or mental health dependency contractor.
The Unit will provide mental health treatment, substance misuse treatment, other behavioral health services, and services or outreach to promote access to physical or behavioral health primary care and preventative medicine as explicitly allowed under the Interim Final Rule. This additional facility has been precipitated by the increased need for services caused by the pandemic, as substance misuse, mental health services, and crime has increased due to the pandemic.
Programming at the Unit is to include:
• Evidence based approach to treatment;
• Up to thirty (30) days inpatient with continued outpatient treatment;
• Group and individual counseling: MRT, Matrix, processing groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing;
• Group and individual life skills: Anger management, occupational readiness, parenting, money management, communication;
• Case management to prepare for release: Housing, continuity of care, food insecurity, medical referrals, medication assistance;
• Peer Recovery, AA/NA;
• Medication management; and
• Sixty (60) days of post release support (outpatient treatment).
10. Commissioner and Council Office Upgrades - $600,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for upgrades and/or renovation of the County Commissioner and County Council Offices in the Civic Center Complex.
11. Hearing Chambers - $1,800,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate One Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,800,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for upgrades and/or renovation of the Civic Center Complex for the addition of an additional trial courtroom.
12. Clerk Renovation - $1,200,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00) to respond the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for upgrades and/or renovation of the Vanderburgh County Clerk’s Office in the Civic Center Complex.
13. Paving - $1,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to supplement the County Highway Department’s budget for paving.
14. Jail Cameras - $1,200,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for cameras for the Vanderburgh County Jail.
15. SWIRCA & More - $500,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to SWIRCA & More. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance for the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address for the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
The mission of SWIRCA & More is “enhancing opportunities for independent living and a better quality of life for those who are aging, people living with disabilities, and caregivers in Southwestern Indiana,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds. SWIRCA & More is designated by the Indiana Division of Aging as a focal point responsible for planning and coordinating a system of services for older Hoosiers. It strives to develop a comprehensive array of services which will prevent inappropriate institutionalization and encourage self-sufficiency among adults sixty (60) and over as well as disabled youths and adults.
16. Easterseals Southwestern Indiana- $500,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Easterseals Southwestern Indiana. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address for the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
Easterseals Southwestern Indiana is “working to make profound, positive differences in the lives of local people with disabilities every day, and to change the way our community defines and views disability.” Easterseals provides services to help children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs as well as support to their families, which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
17. United Caring Shelters, Inc. d/b/a United Caring Services - $300,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-Profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the United Caring Shelters, Inc. d/b/a United Caring Services for its Diversion Center. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance, the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
The Diversion Center will offer treatment to those with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are in crisis. The Diversion Center will serve as a jail and emergency service diversion program, intercepting individuals who would likely be sent to the emergency room or jail. The Diversion Center will stabilize and start a plan to get the person towards long-term treatment and support through local resources, serving as the first step toward long-term treatment. This program meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
18. NFP/E-REP Grants - $676,534.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-Profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Six Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Five Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars ($676,534.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to E-REP to administer future grants to impacted non-profit organizations. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance, the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
E-REP will administer the Funds for community development, grant administration, financial management, and grant close-out services for the Vanderburgh County, Indiana American Rescue Plan Act Funds. Enclosed is a copy of our proposal. E-REP will be responsible for the application administration of the grant, financial management, and grant close-out procedures with final reporting provided to the County to ensure administration and close-out of all funds. This program meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
The County will specifically fund the following investments, as vetted, recommended, and to be administered by E-REP:
• The Ark, Inc. d/b/a Ark Crisis Children’s Center - $65,000.00:
“Ark Crisis Children’s Center keeps children safe and strengthens families in times of stress. The goal is to protect children from abuse and neglect,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Jacob’s Village, Inc. - $42,534.00:
“The mission of Jacob’s Village is to develop a safe, walkable neighborhood community where people with disabilities and older adults can find meaningful relationships, housing that is affordable and accessible, and activities that encourage active minds and bodies,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Habitat for Humanity of Evansville - $75,000.00:
“Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• ECHO Housing Corporation - $50,000.00:
“Our mission at ECHO Housing Corporation is to create and sustain safe and affordable housing, to provide compassionate supportive services, and to promote community and economic development within the urban core of our community,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• United Way of Southwestern Indiana - $25,000.00:
The mission is to “Unite resources to understand and address priority community issues,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Lampion Center, Inc. - $50,000.00:
“Empowering individuals, children, and families by lighting their path through innovative counseling solutions and dynamic community engagement,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana - $50,000.00:
Its mission is to “Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• The Arc of Evansville - $50,000.00:
“Our Mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to build relationships, gain independence, and achieve their full potential,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Vanderburgh County 4H Club Association, Inc. - $25,000.00:
The Vanderburgh County 4-H Club Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to continue developing facilities for educational, and recreational activities for area young people and adults, which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Parenting Time Center - $50,000.00:
“Our mission is to empower parents and children to create positive relationships in a safe and nurturing environment,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Little Lambs of Evansville, Inc. - $9,000.00:
“We encourage healthy parenting acts that will increase the physical and mental development, health and safety of infants and children,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Buffalo Trace Council - $25,000.00:
“The mission of the Buffalo Trace Council, Boy Scouts of America, is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, Inc. - $25,000.00:
Its mission is to “to inspire and develop our community of youth to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and civic engagement,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana - $25,000.00:
“Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
• St. Mary’s Health, Inc. for the Ascension St. Vincent Pediatric Mobile Dental Clinic - $50,000.00:
“The clinic allows area kids a chance to meet with staff for dental care, education on healthy habits, and a follow-up appointment,” which meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
19. Vanderburgh County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum - $6,000,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000.00) to respond the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for renovation of the Vanderburgh County Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum.
20. Health Department Premium Pay - $58,000.00
Expenditure Category 4.1, Premium Pay, Public Sector Employees. The County intends to appropriate Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($58,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for premium pay for Vanderburgh County Health Department (“VCHD”) employees. Funds are “to respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers that are performing such essential work.” VCHD may pay, at its discretion, an amount of up to Thirteen Dollars ($13.00) per hour that is paid to an eligible worker, in addition to wages or remuneration the eligible worker otherwise receives, for all work performed by the eligible worker during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Such amount may not exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) with respect to any single eligible worker.
21. Youth First, Inc. - $300,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-Profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Youth First, Inc. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance, for the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First’s vision is communities supporting healthy, safe and successful youth and families. Youth First exists to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families. Youth First is the only organization that provides Masters level social workers in area schools and prevention programs for youth and families. On-site, free of charge behavioral health services and programs prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships and develop life skills. This program meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
22. Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy - $50,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to SWIRCA & More. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance for the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address for the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
The mission of Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy (SIMA) is to empower at-risk youth in our community to make positive life choices, enabling them to maximize their personal potential. SIMA envisions a community wherein youth experience nurturing one on one relationships and support, enabling them to develop to their full potential and become capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of our community. SIMA is committed to the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of our under-served communities. Its commitment is based on the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice, and integrity. This program meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of the Fiscal Recovery Funds.
23. Burdette Park - $980,000.00
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate Nine Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($980,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Burdette Park for new recreational equipment. The proposal includes two new playground sites, the first ever Burdette dog park, and the complete overhaul of our existing tennis courts.
24. Alliance Initiatives Fund, Inc. for Community Development Financial Institution Services - $100,000.00
Expenditure Category 3.10 Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities: Housing Support: Affordable Housing. The County intends to appropriate One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Alliance Initiatives Fund, Inc. to investigate and establish a CDFI for affordable housing. CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that create economic opportunity for individuals and small businesses, quality affordable housing, and essential community services in the United States. Providing access to affordable financial products and services in underserved communities is a vital part of a CDFI’s mission. By building the capacity of specialized financial institutions serving economically distressed communities, low-income people are empowered to enter the financial mainstream.
To be eligible for CDFI Certification, an organization must have a primary mission of promoting community development; provide both financial and educational services; serve and maintain accountability to one or more defined target markets; maintain accountability to a defined market; and be a legal, non-governmental entity at the time of application (with the exception of Tribal governmental entities).
The funds will be used to establish the organization that will meet the criteria used to create a CDFI-compliant model that will be used to support the approved goals of affordable housing, small businesses, and non-profits. The Funds appropriated by Vanderburgh County shall only be used to benefit and support Vanderburgh County projects, residents, businesses, or non-profits. This meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
25. Impact EVV, Inc. - $250,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.11 Negative Economic Impacts: Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality. The County intends to appropriate Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Impact EVV, Inc., an Indiana not-for-profit organized exclusively for charitable purposes under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Evansville Regional Airport is a vital catalyst for economic development throughout the southwest Indiana region, elevating regional and global business opportunities within our three-state region to provide world-class connections in a world-class location. Impact EVV is aggressively working with local government and economic development organizations to develop and accelerate opportunities for new industry. This meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
26. God is Good Foundation, Inc. - $5,000.00
Expenditure Category 2.34 Assistance to Non-Profits: Assistance to Impacted Non-Profit Organizations. The County intends to appropriate Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to God is Good Foundation, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit corporation organized under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Interim Final Rule, this assistance may include loans, grants, in-kind assistance, technical assistance, or other services that respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency. While previous federal funding has allowed for payroll assistance, the relief of certain fixed costs, those programs did not adequately address the reduction of revenue related to public health orders, eliminations of programming, or other capacity restrictions associated with COVID-19. This programming would provide additional relief programming, including direct grants, for organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.
The God is Good Foundation, Inc., is Christian ministry that strives to live out the words of Jesus in how we serve our community, immigrants and refugees. God Is Good has been helping people from all walks of life by giving them a hand up when they need help. Immigrants and refugees are often groups that slip through the cracks. God Is Good helps refugees begin new lives here in the Evansville area by serving their needs through resettlement and placement, employment, language and cultural orientation, mental wellness, women and youth programs, and intensive case management. This meets the objectives of the Interim Final Rules for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
The County Auditor, or a designee, will review, assess, and evaluate guidance and directives issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State Examiner regarding the Funds, uses, and accounting processes; and will propose updates, modifications, and amendments of the Plan to the Board of County Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana for approval and adoption as the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana deems appropriate and necessary. The County Auditor shall transmit this Plan and Ordinance to the Vanderburgh County Council for consideration and appropriation from the Fund.
27. Court Expansion - $77,912
Expenditure Category 6.1, Revenue Replacement, Provision of Government Services. The County intends to appropriate Seventy-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Twelve Dollars ($77,912.00) to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts as allowable under Section 603(c)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for upgrades and/or renovation of the Civic Center Complex.
The County Auditor, or a designee, will review, assess, and evaluate guidance and directives issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State Examiner regarding the Funds, uses, and accounting processes; and will propose updates, modifications, and amendments of the Plan to the Board of County Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana for approval and adoption as the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana deems appropriate and necessary. The County Auditor shall transmit this Plan and Ordinance to the Vanderburgh County Council for consideration and appropriation from the Fund.
(Ord. 08-23-019, amended, 8/29/2023; Ord. 08-23-017, amended, 8/8/2023; Ord. 06-23-012, amended, 6/13/2023; Ord. 05-23-007, amended, 5/9/2023; Ord. 02-23-005, amended, 2/21/2023; Ord. 02-23-002, amended, 2/7/2023; Ord. 11-22-022, amended, 11/15/2022; Ord. 06-22-011, amended, 6/14/2022; Ord. 12-21-015, amended, 12/28/2021; Ord. 11-21-014, amended, 11/16/2021; Ord. 10-21-012 Exh. A, added, 10/12/2021)
Under the Interim Final Rule to be used starting with April 2022 reports, the EC was updated to 5.17
Project completed under budget
Project completed under budget.
Under the Interim Final Rule to be used starting with April 2022 reports, the EC was updated to 5.17