On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law, which established the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds. These funds are intended to provide significant resources to State, local, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts through four categories of eligible uses. The County's allocation, which totals $91,646,669, must be disbursed following the guidance of the US Treasury Interim Final Rule.
Section 163.01, Florida Statutes, authorizes public agencies to enter into agreements with other public agencies to serve a public purpose. Since each municipality receives ARPA funds directly and some County ARPA programs benefit the residents of the seven municipalities, the County and cities have collaborated on several countywide initiatives. These countywide programs intend to leverage the entirety of the funding directed to Seminole County; improve efficiency in the expenditures of public funds; avoid duplication of services; and prevent confusion regarding funding availability.
The City of Altamonte Springs, representing 17.9% of the County's total population, has committed to fund portions of the following initiatives:
- Seminole County Sheriff's Office
- Countywide mental health partnerships
- Not-for-profit grants
- Individual assistance grants
- Seminole State College workforce training
- Homelessness diversion
- Broadband study
The City of Altamonte Springs has committed up to $1,435,502.70 in ARPA funds towards implementation of these programs (see Exhibit A, Scope of Work). Seminole County Government is responsible for providing quarterly reports, to commence in March 2022, to each participating city in compliance with US Treasury requirements.
This agreement expires on December 31, 2024. At that time, the County will return any unused funds provided by the City of Altamonte Springs under this agreement.