During the June 9, 2020 Council meeting, Staff briefed Council on the ability to participate in a CARES Act reimbursement program through an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Dallas County. Council approved this ILA and directed staff to pursue three potential programs:
- A program reimbursing the Town for eligible COVID-19 related expenses in an amount of approximately $200,000.
- A program supporting Addison residents through rent, food and utility assistance in an amount of approximately $200,000 dollars.
- A program that aids local businesses with rent/mortgage payments in an amount of approximately $500,000.
Staff developed the three programs and submitted them to Dallas County for approval.
Public Health and Compliance Program (Town Reimbursement Program)
The Town developed this program to reimburse the Town for COVID-19 expenses such as personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.), public space disinfection, and enhanced telework capabilities.
Staff recommends approval of the Public Health and Compliance Program in an amount of $115,000. The $85,000 reimbursement for the emergency payment to Metrocrest Services was moved to the Resident Assistance Program.
Resident Assistance Program
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local non-profits have experienced an increase in demand for services from Addison residents. In a letter dated May 1, 2020, Metrocrest Services CEO Tracy Eubanks states that Addison families visited the Food Pantry 189 times in April. This was a 302% increase over last year. Their rent assistance program served 22 Addison families in April. This was a 144% increase over last year. In response, Council approved emergency funding to Metrocrest Services on May 15, 2020 in the amount of $85,000.
While other non-profit partners may be eligible to receive funding for providing assistance to Addison residents, Metrocrest Services' ongoing rent, food, and utility assistance programs align well with CARES Act requirements from the United States Treasury Department and Dallas County. Metrocrest Services provided an estimate of the cost associated with providing these services to Addison residents for the remainder of calendar year 2020. These figures were utilized to develop this program.
Staff recommends approval of the Resident Assistance Program in an amount of $285,000. This incudes reimbursement to the Town for the initial $85,000 to Metrocrest Services and an additional $200,000 to Metrocrest Services for rent, food and utility assistance services for Addison residents.
Addison CARES Lease/Mortgage Assistance Grant Program
The Addison Economic Development and Tourism Department developed this business assistance to establish a fund in the amount of $500,000 to be used to award eligible businesses 75% of their gross lease or mortgage payments for two months for a maximum grant award of up to $10,000 per company.
Staff recommends approval of the Addison Cares Lease/Mortgage Assistance Grant Program in an amount of $500,000. |