NTF SPEECH TO COUNTY BOARD ON CARES ACT FUNDING:
JUNE 9, 2020

NTF worksheet: douglascounty152.doc. 6-20.
NEBRASKA TAXPAYERS FOR FREEDOM SPEECH TO COUNTY BOARD ON CARES ACT FUNDING: JUNE 9, 2020.

Good morning. Doug Kagan, representing NE Taxpayers for Freedom. We have both concerns and questions about the county proposed CARES Act funding. Most of the allocations go to government entities. However, $20 million apparently is going to private agencies and non-profits. We object to dispensing funds to the latter, because, whereas taxpayers can appear before local government bodies to express opinions on their spending CARES Act dollars, taxpayers have no control over how private agencies and non-profits expend their allocations. Such situation sparks our concern about this funding subsidizing illegal aliens and those who otherwise could obtain rental and other assistance from regular welfare sources.

Furthermore, the background pages on the meeting agenda are confusing. Under Budget Adjustment (General Fund) on one sheet, a $300,000 amount listed for Public Properties. On another sheet, the same heading listed with a $41.6 million amount. One sheet lists a total amount of $52,679,000 for additional county expenses but on another sheet a total of $65 million for County government CARES expenses. Reconciling these figures on one document would assist us taxpayers. Also, the county A-list includes items such as a new fuel storage tank and new boiler, plus parts, items for a chiller plant, juvenile court mobile carts, and a payroll application, items we consider questionable CARES Act expenses. Taxpayers do not want to see CARES Act dollars paying for items conveniently crammed into a “wants” list, only taxpayer dollars spent on legitimate coronavirus expenses like first responders.

Thank you.

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Information from County Finance Director Joe Lorenz:
He spoke with federal officials, Governor Ricketts’ cabinet, and National Association of County Officials to determine correct use of funds.
County wants to maximize use of funds and through FEMA obtain every dollar possible.
Wants best benefits for county residents.
Federal Inspector-Gen. will audit use of funds by Douglas County.
Dec. 31, 2020 is deadline for submission of plans to feds.
$41 million for large capital projects; $14 million for other capital projects.
State will be a partner with Douglas County, splitting 50/50 the state funding.
$100 million in state stimulus funding for local government public health & safety needs.
Both state & county coronavirus funds will go to the City of Omaha.
State does not plan to give such funds to utilities.
County Health Center and corrections facility the 2 most vulnerable county sites.
County already installing a new air filtration system at County Health Center.
Desired UV lighting will kill bacteria but not the COVID-19 virus.
Some county coronavirus funds will reimburse expenditures already made; other funds to make improvements.
County is preparing for the 2nd COVID-19 pandemic wave.

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