The Barbed Wire: SPECIAL EDITION - March 25, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event. We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources. CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

Federal Aid Package Being Approved by Congress

This afternoon, Congress is in the final process of approving a very large and extensive federal aid package in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. RCRC, working through our federal advocate, American Continental Group (ACG), plans to provide a summary of the legislation when the final details become available. We plan to include this in the subsequent Barbed Wire that will be sent on Friday. It should be noted that President Trump is expected to sign the package into law as soon as it reaches his desk for consideration.

RCRC Seeks Relief for Solid Waste Operations

RCRC has formally requested aid in bringing relief to the state's solid waste and recycling operations amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. Specifically, RCRC has asked for CalRecycle to grant exemptions on mandatory commercial organics diversion requirements, delays in implementing new regulations such as the short-lived climate pollutant organics measures, and leniency on penalties for current requirements that may not be met during the pandemic. 

"RCRC and ESJPA member counties must do our part to help ensure that our solid waste and recycling operations continue to serve California's residents during this emergency," said Siskiyou County Supervisor Michael Kobseff, Chair of the Rural Counties Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority. "We will doubtless see interruptions in service without immediate action by CalRecycle."

Local governments and the solid waste and recycling industries have been asking CalRecycle for relief since California's initial emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic, with the agency having offered no real guidance or response. Without swift action by CalRecycle, residents could soon see massive disruptions in service that last well beyond the expiration of the state's declaration.

RCRC's request to the legislature can be read here.

RCRC Joins County Partners to Urge the Governor to Maintain April 10th Tax Deadline

In a letter last week, RCRC, along with our municipal partners, urged Governor Newsom to retain the April 10th property tax deadline. The letter highlights that local officials will forgive penalties and interest for property owners who are unable to make timely payment due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

California’s local agencies are working diligently to maintain essential services and infrastructure during this unprecedented public health emergency related to COVID-19. Extending the property tax payment deadline by 60 or 90 days would have a dramatic impact on local funding. Almost all local agencies rely on property tax receipts to help finance a large number of municipal services.

In light of the issue of extension, county treasurer/tax collectors will be waiving interest and penalties associated with late payment, as allowed under current law. There will be some statewide parameters around granting this waiver. RCRC-member counties are encouraged to discuss specifics with their County Treasurer/Tax Collector.

Click here to read the entire letter to Governor Newsom, outlining the reasons why an extension would not be wise for counties, cities, school districts, and other special districts.

USDA Rural Development Implements Immediate Measures Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development (USDA-RD) has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Immediate relief opportunities are available for USDA-RD’s rural housing service, rural utilities service, and rural business-cooperative service programs. The announcement can be accessed here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

Federal Disaster Loan Assistance Available from the Small Business Administration

Applications are now being accepted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for federal disaster loans to help alleviate economic injury caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). All fifty-eight (58) California counties are designated as eligible. To apply, please visit SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance portal here.

Deadline Extended: Wildfire Resiliency and Recovery Planning Grant Program

In light of the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) are working on a plan to extend the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire Resiliency and Recovery Planning Grants. Although the new submission deadline has not yet been confirmed, there will be a minimum three-week extension to the original March 18th deadline. Once a revised submission deadline has been established, all applicants who have started applications on the Grants Review and Tracking System application platform will receive a notification from OPR/SGC.

Catch Up on Past Stories

If you missed it in an earlier edition of The Barbed Wire, check out these stories on issues surrounding the coronavirus.

• Keeping Broadband Access
• Rural Broadband Equipment
• Cannabis Banking
• Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700): Electronic Filing Encouraged - Due April 1st