Governor Proposes Release of CARES Funds to Counties & Cities

Consistent with U.S. Treasury CARES Act guidance, the Governor is taking a proposal to the Emergency Commission this coming Monday to reimburse counties and cities for “law enforcement first responder payroll costs” for the first 7 months of the pandemic (March - Sept.).  If approved by the EC and the Budget Section, counties will simply submit their total payroll costs for sworn officers for March through July – for immediate reimbursement.  August and September payroll amounts will be submitted and reimbursed later, once they are incurred.

This concept will get much needed revenue (~$59 million) to counties and cities quickly and efficiently.  This will constitute the jurisdiction’s entire allocation, and any previously reimbursed amounts will be deducted from the total payroll costs.  County estimates based on averages are included in the attached presentation, however reimbursements will be based on actual payroll costs (salary and benefits) paid.   The proposal was announced today at the Auditor’s Conference. Your county auditor will be bringing more specific information back from that presentation.  We will also follow up with OMB instructions once formal approval is achieved. You can view the presentation with the proposal here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AdwaiyjeaQ5azJsI2ONgNVQlf7Z4-nw9/view?usp=sharing

"This is the result of a concerted effort by NDACo and the ND League of Cities, and tremendous support from OMB, the Governor’s Office and Legislative Leadership. We are extremely grateful to them for their understanding and dedicated effort on behalf of local government," said NDACo Executive Director Terry Traynor. "I personally would also like to thank all of our county auditors, their payroll and HR staff, and those law enforcement leaders that have helped provide the data necessary to make this case."