Federal Stimulus Funds and Washtenaw County

There has been a lot if speculation about how the federal stimulus package might impact County finances - specifically how it might impact the County's $26 million projected budget shortfall. The short answer from County Administrator Bob Guenzel is that the funds have the potential to make a postive impact on our community and our region, but not much of an impact on the County's general fund budget. 
 
For instance, the County's ETCS (Employment Training and Community Service) department recently received $4 million for weatherization as part of a federal economic stimulus. And Community Development has received $3 million for neighborhood stabilization. That $7 million influx will help people stay in their homes, and help stabilize neighborhoods in decline.  But that money can't be plugged into the County's $26 million shortfall and make it $19 million.  These federal dollars are specifically dedicated to these programs and can't be pulled over to other General Fund needs.

Formally known as the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, the $787 billion federal  spending bill includes a set of newly funded initiatives in the fields of education, health care and energy, among others. It also includes funds for tax cuts, unemployment benefits and Medicaid.

Scott Patton, Assistant to the County Administrator for Public Safety, sees the Stimulus funds as offering potentially tremendous opportunities for governments who are nimble enough to transform themselves.  "They also have to be willing, and able, to do the research. In most cases the funds aren't available to continue existing programs, but they may be available to fund similar new programming."

Deputy County Administrator Verna McDaniel is spearheading the County's strategy to identify and pursue opportunities.  That involves working with department directors to identify needs and opportunities, make requests and then work with State and Federal legislators to follow up on those requests.

"Our program directors are really in the best position for this because they understand their mission and their customers. The next step is to help them learn of any of the new multiple funding sources and pursue funds that support their mission," McDaniel says. "County Administration will attempt to add a layer of support and coordination that will help us achieve our county-wide mission."

For his part, Deputy County Administrator David Behen is working on developing the legislative agenda in order to follow up with requests. "Our legislators want to help. We just need to stay in touch and let them know what we need,"  Behen says.

--------------

References:

Recovery.gov
Federal government’s website on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 – on Wikipedia.

Congressman Mark Schauer’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Guidebook

Michigan Recovery & Reinvestment Plan
State website section on reinvestment and recovery.