On Monday, April 6, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appropriate $8.8 million of county fund balance to defray the costs of the county’s ongoing COVID-19 response.
The new appropriation comes after commissioners granted $2 million in funding on March 16 toward expenses associated with COVID-19 emergency response. Through April 3, estimated costs associated with that response totaled $3.8 million.
“Our lives – and our community – have been turned upside down with the new reality of social distancing and staying at home,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford. “It’s obvious that our COVID-19 response is a marathon, not a sprint, and Wake County is ready to continue serving our residents as we navigate this uncertain time.”
The funding enables Wake County to provide vital services that protect public health and safety through its Emergency Operations Center efforts. Specifically, the appropriated funds will be used to:
- Purchase of personal protective equipment and other emergency supplies;
- Provide enhanced coverage for emergency response activities, such as EMS and fire services;
- Provide COVID-19-related public health services; and
- Fund daily EOC operations, including logistical support, services and the supplemental pay of approximately 170 employees who staff 12-hour shifts.
Federal and State Reimbursements
The county is tracking all expenditures incurred during its emergency response and will seek reimbursement from federal and state response programs.
On March 26, the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was approved by the Congress and the President. This stimulus package will provide reimbursement funding to local governments.
One day prior, on March 25, the President approved North Carolina’s disaster declaration, making counties within the state eligible for reimbursement of a portion of expenses incurred.
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