August 24, 2021
Contact: Jennifer Flachman
Public Information Officer
City of Merced
(209) 385-6232
flachmanj@cityofmerced.org
City of Merced Launches American Rescue Fund Act Survey – Seeks Community Input
How would you invest in our community?
MERCED, CA – On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Mayor Matthew Serratto and the City Council launched the City of Merced’s COVID-19 Community Impact Study, designed to gather insights from residents and businesses about the impact of COVID-19.
The City of Merced has been allocated funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as ARPA. The purpose of this funding is to help communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, address economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.
“There is no doubt the devastating effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting and profound,” said Serratto. “Documenting how this looks in the daily lives of our community is the first step towards equitable recovery. We look forward to robust participation and the opportunities this critical feedback will create to champion our efforts to invest in our City and support our community.”
The U.S. Treasury released guidance on how funds can be used; to respond to immediate public health and financial stability needs; fill revenue shortfalls; and support households, workers, and businesses that were hit the hardest by the pandemic.
“This one-time infusion of resources will transform our pandemic rescue and recovery efforts,” stated Stephanie Dietz, Merced City Manager. “Input from our community will provide the framework necessary for a well-developed four-year investment plan.”
The City’s plan focuses on the following four eligible categories.
- PUBLIC HEALTH AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Support public health by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public health sector.
- PREMIUM PAY
Provide premium pay for essential workers. Offer additional support to our community members in healthcare, education, childcare, transportation, sanitation, grocery and food production, and public health and safety. These groups have and will continue to bear the greatest health risks because of their critical infrastructure sectors.
- REDUCTION IN REVENUE
Replace lost government revenue to restore projects, services, and programs delayed due to the pandemic.
- INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. Make investments to improve access to clean drinking water, improve and support wastewater and stormwater infrastructure systems, and expand access to broadband internet.
Results of the survey will inform officials of community priorities and will allow them to develop a plan to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Mailers will go out through the United States Postal Service the week of August 30th with ARPA information and a survey. The mailer will include a QR Code that links to the survey, or recipients can complete the paper survey and return it by mail or in the drop-box at the City of Merced, 678 West 18th Street in Merced. The City will also send survey notifications through text messages. Residents can visit cityofmerced.org to take the survey online.
The City will hold a series of public meetings to discuss survey results and to hear residents’ ideas about how to use American Rescue Plan Act funding.
The schedule of public meetings follows:
- Study Session - Monday, October 18, 2021, 5 p.m., City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
- First Public Hearing – Monday, November 1, 2021, 6 p.m., City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
- Second Public Hearing - Monday, December 6, 2021, 6 p.m., City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Citizens are encouraged to review the US Treasury summary of eligible uses before sharing ideas in the survey. To visit the official website please go to American Rescue Plan. To learn more about our program, please visit cityofmerced.org
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