Back during the pandemic, San Marcos got a bunch of Covid money. First there was $6 million in Covid Relief, in 2020, and then $18 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021.
By the end of 2024, it all had to be contracted out. We did that.
Here’s what the Covid Relief money went to:
(Note: For the Covid Relief money, they only mention $2.67 million of the $6 million in today’s presentation. I assume the rest got spent years ago.)
Here’s what we’ve spent the $18 million ARPA money on:
It has to all be spent by the end of 2026. So everything is wrapping up.
Which brings us to today
As projects finish up, there’s often a little bit of money left over. We’re allowed to put that towards one of the existing contracts, but you can’t start anything new.
We’ve got about $320K freed up from these projects:
What should we do with this extra money?
Here’s what staff recommends:
Operation Triage and Mission Able are both nonprofits that go in and fix houses.
In other words: suppose you’re 70 and you bought your house in 1980, and you’ve worked low-wage jobs your whole life, and now you’re in danger of being homeless because your house needs $50K in repair so that it’s not condemned. This is the kind of program that comes in, fixes your foundation and your air conditioning, so that you can safely and happily stay in your home.
The grant consultant is the person who understands all the federal rules, so that we don’t risk losing this money due to mismanagement. We were going to have to pay this $120K either way.
What does Council say?
Jane: How about $5K to buy pet food for the PALS pet food drive program? That’s allowed because we had a covid contract with them already.
Alyssa: I need way more information. What are the deliverables? What’s the selection process? What’s the socioeconomic status of the recipients? Is this equitable? Where in the city do the recipients live? Do our neighbors trust them? I have so many questions.
Amanda: I’d like the extra info, but I’m good with Mission Able and Operation Triage.
Lorenzo: How about the food bank and BR3T?
(Note: BR3T is rent assistance and homelessness prevention.)
Alyssa: Can we get info on those, too? I want info on everything. BR3T funding is evaporating.
Jane: Maybe the consultant will come in under budget, and we can find $5K for PALS pet food from there.
Josh: I’m fine with the staff recommendations.
Shane: Me too.
Matthew: Me too.
Bottom line: This will come back at a city council meeting. Staff will bring back lots of information on Mission Able, Operation Triage, PALS, the food bank, and BR3T.
The San Marxist 