LOC News
CRF Reimbursement Requests Due Today
Nearly 200 city elected officials and staff attended an LOC informational presentation this week on distribution and eligible uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars, with a focus on guidance for standing up economic support programs. City officials can view the recording of the meeting, and read an LOC summary of U.S. Treasury guidance related to economic support programs.
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has established a CRF Grant Portal for cities to use as they go forward with the distribution of CRF dollars into their communities. This grant portal is where cities will access their per-capita allocation of CRF funds that the LOC negotiated with the governor and the state’s CRF work group. So far, more than one-half of all cities have registered - cities must register on the portal to receive their share of CRF money. Instructions on how to register and submit a reimbursement request are available at the registration link above.
Primarily registration issues so far are due to the registrant failing to confirm their email or entering the wrong DUNS number. Grant managers in cities that took reimbursement in the first round should expect their CRF grant agreement with DAS to be amended soon. The amendment covers the total allocation instead of just the first cost reimbursement, and switches the performance period to March 1 through December 30. The amended agreements are required before the next disbursements occur.
Although most cities did not have reimbursable costs in the first phase of distributions, all cities will want to register now as this money can be used to stand up new programs, including assistance for local small businesses and residents who have been economically affected by the pandemic. Your city's estimated share can be viewed in this Excel worksheet - these numbers are considered reliable, but are not guaranteed until certified by DAS. This amount is in addition to any reimbursement your city previously received.
Cities have until today, July 24, to submit initial reimbursement requests for costs that were not reimbursed from March 1 to June 30, including economic support, sick leave, and childcare that may have been rejected in the first phase. Going forward, reimbursement requests will be made monthly via this portal, and will come off the total formula allocation based on each city's population or the minimum funding allocations. Any eligible cost not claimed in a prior request will be eligible for reimbursement in a future month. Likewise, if a city inadvertently overclaims costs in a prior request, we understand that they may simply reduce their next request to compensate. Cities will still be allowed to register and submit in future months if they miss this first reimbursement.
Those cities that do not have funds available up-front to stand up programs are encouraged to work directly with DAS to determine a path forward in order to take advantage of the CRF funds available under the allocation formula. Cities can contact DAS at CoronavirusReliefFund@Oregon.gov - this is also the general email where cities can ask DAS questions.
All eligible COVID-19-related costs consistent with the U.S. Treasury guidance and a recently revised FAQ document are available for use of CRF funds. Cities are encouraged to consult their city attorney with questions, and may also reach out to the LOC at the email below. Most importantly, cities are advised to please read the Treasury guidance and FAQ document. These resources should answer most questions, and they provide a road map for reimbursement of costs which may not have been considered.
Contact: Mark Gharst, Lobbyist for Tax, Finance and Economic Development - mgharst@orcities.org or 503-991-2192
Related Articles & Resources
- Cities Must Register to Receive CRF Funding LOC Bulletin (July 10, 2020)
- Coronavirus Resources