COVID-19 Resources for Local Governments

As we all navigate new challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend that local governments review the following information.

Immediate steps local governments should take: 

1. Identify, monitor, and closely document all expenditures incurred because of the coronavirus.
   a. Classify each item as a pre-budget expense versus a non-budgeted expense.
   b. This should be done even if there are no currently identified reimbursement programs.
2. Begin to identify projected revenue shortfalls.
   a. Implement cost-saving measures as needed based on projected revenue shortfalls.

CARES Act

Local governments in Mississippi do not meet the 500,000-population threshold for direct payment of CARES Act funds. The state will receive funding and have discretion on how or if funds will be distributed to local governments. Documenting any expenses related to the coronavirus will be vital if these funds become available.

Funding for specific areas (for example, law enforcement, arts, airports, public transportation systems, etc.) may be made available from the CARES Act through existing federal agencies and grant programs. Many of the details related to these programs are forthcoming. If you have active grants, we recommend that you contact
the funding sources about additional opportunities.

FEMA Public Assistance 

Consistent with the president’s national emergency declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, FEMA urges officials to, without delay, take appropriate actions that are necessary to protect public health and safety pursuant to public health guidance and conditions and capabilities in their jurisdictions. FEMA provides guidance on the types of emergency protective measures that may be eligible under FEMA’s Public Assistance program in accordance with the COVID-19 emergency declaration in order to ensure that resource constraints do not inhibit efforts to respond to this unprecedented disaster. Detailed information can be viewed here: https://www.msema.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4528-Public-Assistance-Applicant-Briefing.pptx.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) went into effect on April 1, 2020. It requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. New employee notice posters are required to be posted in workplaces. Complete information can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave.

For More Information

Jason Camp, PhD
Extension Instructor
Center for Government and Community Development
Mississippi State University Extension Service
jason.camp@msstate.edu
662) 325-3141 (voice)

For more helpful resources related to COVID-19, please visit our web site at
http://extension.msstate.edu/coronavirus.

M2344 (POD-04-20)

By Jason Camp, PhD, Extension Instructor, Extension Center for Government and Community Development.

Copyright 2020 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit
educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

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Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director