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CRF Funding Next Steps and Informational Call

City leadership and staff are invited to attend a virtual brown bag lunch on Thursday, July 23 from 12-1:30 p.m. (details below) where LOC staff will present the latest information on allowed uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars, with a focus on guidance for standing up economic support programs.  The LOC continues to engage with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) on allowed uses of these funds, and cities are encouraged to send questions in advance to LOC Lobbyist Mark Gharst at the email below.

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 CRF work group.  So far only 96 cities have registered - all cities must register on the portal to receive their share of CRF money.  See the July 10 LOC Bulletin for more information, including estimated city shares and instructions on how to register and submit a reimbursement request. 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 who 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 will 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. 

This portal went live this week and cities have until July 24 to submit 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.  The LOC believes that any eligible cost not claimed in a prior request should be eligible for reimbursement in a future month, but we will be confirming with DAS.  Likewise, if a city inadvertently overclaims costs in a prior request, we understand that they may simply reduce their next request to compensate.

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. Additional information is available on the Treasury's website. 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

Last Updated 7/17/20

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