20.156 An Order to Appropriate Free Cash $60,000 to Health Department for Temporary COVID-19 StaffingCity of Northampton
Massachusetts
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In City Council December 3, 2020
Upon recommendation of the Mayor
20.156 An Order to Appropriate Free Cash $60,000 to Health Department for Temporary COVID-19 Staffing
Whereas, funding to address the ongoing costs incurred by the City relative to the COVID-19 pandemic has been made available through the CARES Act;
Whereas, it has been necessary for the city’s Health Department to add temporary staff to handle the increased workload created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of the additional
staff has been allowed under the CARES Act grant program which ends December 30, 2020;
Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to require significant city resources to respond adequately to the ongoing emergency and additional staff are needed beyond December 30, 2020;
Whereas, while it is our intention to apply for FEMA reimbursement for the costs related to hiring temporary staff, an additional appropriation from the city’s Free Cash to fund these
staff is deemed necessary in the absence of a solid commitment from FEMA to continue this funding;
Ordered, that
$ 60,000 be appropriated from the FY2021 General Fund Undesignated Fund Balance (Free Cash) to the Health Department PS line item (15111 511000) to fund the salaries of temporary
staff added as part of the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the COVID Compliance Officer, an additional Public Health Nurse and additional hours for the Health Department
Assistant.