REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 15, 2020
FROM
GARY McBRIDE, Chief Executive Officer, County Administrative Office
SUBJECT
Title
Changes to the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Adopt changes to the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program, expanding the program to other business sectors.
2. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to make changes to the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership program, as necessary, and present substantive changes to the Board of Supervisors for ratification at the next available Board meeting.
(Presenter: Gary McBride, Chief Executive Officer, 387-5417)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of any additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Funding for the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program (Program) was approved by the Board of Supervisors (Board) at a special meeting on May 7, 2020 (Item No. 1), using Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds allocated to the County of San Bernardino. There is no increase to the funding for the Program as a result of this item, which seeks Board approval to expand the Program to businesses in other sectors. The Program has allocated $10.9 million to businesses under the current Program structure.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
At a special meeting on May 7, 2020 (Item No. 1), the Board adopted the Program and committed $30 million in funding to support small businesses with up to 100 employees in San Bernardino County to help mitigate the cost and impacts related to COVID-19. Under this Program, over 4,500 businesses have applied for and received funding under this program, which requires them to commit to remaining compliant with State and County health requirements and guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Program is the first of its kind in the State of California, and it has served as a model for nearby jurisdictions to replicate in efforts to continue to support small businesses during these unprecedented times. Small businesses have applauded the program for its launch and success during a time when they were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the ongoing impacts from State-mandated closures and limited operating capacities in certain economic sectors, it is recommended that program eligibility be extended to owners of Short-Term Rentals, non-profit organizations, and private schools within the County to support these sectors with the costs associated with maintaining compliance with applicable health requirements and guidelines during the pandemic.
In an effort to support those businesses and non-profits that shifted their business operations to an outdoor model in order to provide services, a reduced amount of $1,200 per business was also made available to offset costs incurred in creating a safe place to serve their customers. For Short-Term rental owners, a reduced amount of $500 was offered to ensure the properties were adequately sanitized and improvements made to help ensure the safety of their guests.
Most recently, staff is recommending the extension of the program eligibility to include private schools that do not have the same access to personal protective equipment that is readily available for public K-12 school districts through the State of California. The County’s program would help provide similar access to necessary equipment by making financial support available for the procurement of personal protection equipment and sanitation supplies for the safety of both students and faculty. This will support and sustain safer in-person instruction at schools across the county. Prevention of large scale outbreaks at all school sites, both public and private will allow the County to continue moving towards reopening the local economy along the Governor’s reopening framework. Funding up to $7,500 will be available per private school based on total student enrollment.
In order to promote a coordinated and efficient response to needs that may arise from the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 24, 2020 (Item No. 67), the Board authorized the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to execute or approve various actions related to purchases, contracts, donations, budget, including the approval of adoption of resolutions, through May 31, 2020, subject to ratification by the Board at the next available Board meeting. Due to the continued threat of COVID-19, the Board has extended the delegated authority, with the most recent extension on August 25, 2020 (Item No. 71), which extended the authority of the CEO through September 30, 2020. As the State continues to issue guidance and changes to the State’s Recovery plan, Recommendation No. 2 will authorize the CEO to make further enhancements to the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program that align with the re-opening requirements imposed by the State and with the direction previously provided by the Board. Any substantive changes made by the CEO will be presented to the Board for ratification at the next available Board meeting.
Adoption of the recommended changes to the COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program will provide financial support to additional business sectors affected by the pandemic within San Bernardino County, and to assist in encouraging compliance with health and safety guidelines and requirements as restrictions ease.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Michelle Blakemore, County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 11, 2020; Economic Development Department (Soua Vang, Interim Director, 387-4385) on September 11, 2020; Finance (Stephenie Shea, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919 and Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on September 11, 2020; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on September 11, 2020.