Submitted by: Councilmember Strab
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
FY25 Council ARPA Amendment: Adjustments to ARPA spending for FY25
end
Suggested Action:
recommendation
For discussion: I move the Mayor and Council discontinue the Mental Health Youth Program and the Vandalism Recovery and Prevention Program at the conclusion of ARPA funding, and discontinue or reallocate the ARPA funding of the following initiatives:
- Rent stabilization implementation ($250,000)
- Hyattsville Crossing BID ($150,000)
- Hiring of a grant writer ($120,000)
- Beautification of Alternate Route One ($120,000)
- Environmental Depot ($100,000)
- Small business online directory ($60,000)
- Public wi-fi study ($60,000)
- SMART waste management study ($60,000)
- Circulator study ($30,000)
- SMBE certification support ($15,000)
- Mental health youth program ($100,000)
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Summary Background:
Reprogramming these funds can help defray costs associated with operational expenditures.
Next Steps:
Council discussion.
Fiscal Impact:
Reallocation of up to $950,000 to revenue replacement or essential expenditures.
City Administrator Comments:
The staff supports the reallocation of funds for the above listed programs w/ the below exceptions, considerations, and recommendations.
Grant Writer Funding: Actual remaining cost ($56K). The City obligated $20K of funding to our grant support contractor. We expanded her duties and moved her into limited grant writing. In addition, we decided not to hire a full-time grant writer and identified a contractor at $54K. This was to reduce benefits and legacy costs. The contracted grant writer will help with state and federal funding.
Teen Mental Health Program: Recommend we evaluate the pilot year to determine success of the program and inform future year decisions. The Hope Center for Wellness signed the contract last month. They are preparing to offer individual and group sessions. The program can be discontinued with 30-day notice. The staff can simultaneously explore grant funding for future years.
The Hyattsville Crossing BID: The City has invested $195K and the County has invested $125K to date. Our consultant HR&A is working with businesses to get 51% in support. Currently 41% are on board. Recommend we retain this initiative as the area generates 22% of the City tax base and has ongoing issues with loitering, trash, security, and homelessness. The BID creates dedicated focus on Economic Development, Public Safety, and Placemaking. If approved, the city will need to invest $75K this year, and $150K in FY26.
Small Business Online Directory: Recommend we retain. The directory was a recommendation from the BRE Plan. It can be accomplished for approximately $20K. The City can implement the Business and Economic Development Plan for approximately $35K. Recommend we retain these funds for a directory and business plan to help our businesses with more targeted corridor strategies.
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A