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Commissioner Worley - Finance - To Amend Gaston County ARPA Grant Project Ordinance 2021-264 to Approve and Appropriate Funding for the Courthouse Video Arraignment Project ($136,313), 2 ARPA Project Coordinator Positions ($1,155,967), and Amend Project AR003 ARPA Grant Manager Position ($75,046)
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STAFF CONTACT
Tiffany Murray - Finance - 704-866-3032
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
Increase revenues and expense in the General Fund by $1,367,326.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
Minimal change to the Budget Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 created new Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Act sets aside $65.1 billion to be allocated to counties based on population and sent directly from the Department of Treasury. Gaston County is expected to receive $43,612,126 million over two years. Pursuant to Section 13. 2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the Gaston County Grant Project Ordinance 2021- 264 for the Gaston County Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds was adopted in Regular Session by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners on September 28, 2021. This Board Action, if approved, amends Section 2 of the Gaston County ARPA Grant Project Ordinance and accepts and appropriates funds for the following project:
1. Courthouse Video Arraignment Project ($136,313): In 1999, courtroom 2E of the Gaston County Courthouse was outfitted with a video arraignment system. This system allows for the arraignment of newly arrested citizens via audio and video link from courtroom 2E to the Jail. The purpose of installing this system was to streamline the arraignment process allowing for less time expended by jail staff, representing counsels, and judges. Inmates were no longer transported from the Jail to the Courthouse for arraignment, the process was completely handled remotely. However, this system is almost 24 years old, obsolete, and requires replacement and upgrade. The sitting Chief Superior Court Judge, the Chief District Court Judge, and the District Attorney have requested that this system be updated to ensure that any failures to the existing equipment will not cause undue hardships to the Court's delivery of services. Remote technology has been a vital tool for courts during the public health crisis. Therefore, the sitting Chief Superior Court Judge, the Chief District Court Judge, and the District Attorney have also requested that the County expand the current setup to include 1 additional District courtroom, and 2 additional Superior courtrooms. This will allow greater flexibility and efficiency for Jail and Court staff and a greater priority can be placed on protecting the health and safety of all including the inmates.
2. ARPA Project Coordinators ($1,155,967): Positions will oversee complex projects of the following capital projects that may design and construction management of waterline extensions to include Chapel Grove waterline extension, Lowell Elementary waterline extension, North Belmont Park waterline extension, Tryon Elementary waterline extension, as well as Domestic Violence Shelter Housing Expansion, and other eligible ARPA projects.
3. ARPA Grant Manager - Budget Amendment ($75,046): Increase the ARPA Grant Manager Budget to account for the funding from July - December of 2026, FY2027 and adjust for increase in retirement contribution.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
- Amended ARPA Grant Project Ordinance 2021-264
- Proposals
o Courthouse Video Arraignment
o ARPA Project Coordinators
- Budget Change Request (BCR)