NTF SPEECH TO DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD ON CARES ACT EXPENDITURES: June 23, 2020

NTF worksheet: douglascounty153.doc. 6-20.
NEBRASKA TAXPAYERS FOR FREEDOM SPEECH TO DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD ON CARES ACT EXPENDITURES: June 23, 2020.

NTF ISSUE PAPER: DOUGLAS CO. COMMISSIONERS TURN COVID-19 RELIEF INTO WELFARE

Good morning. Doug Kagan, representing NE Taxpayers for Freedom. Our considered opinion is that county commissioners should distribute federal coronavirus stimulus funds only for purposes closely related to and directly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Examples include government personnel directly at risk, such as medical and law enforcement personnel and other first responders and caretakers who come into contact with coronavirus victims and patients, and the victims and patients themselves. Also, Health Dept. services.

Only local government entities should distribute these funds. If such entities like Lutheran Family Services wish to provide interpreter services, they, as a private concern, should provide these services themselves. We do not understand why the Treasurer’s Office would require a $45,000 upgraded phone system or $929 for thermometers. Likewise, regarding Health Center chillers and air handling units, items we found on a 2015 building maintenance project list. Similarly, regarding new building control systems at the Corrections Center. We definitely take exception to the distribution of $1 million for rental assistance. Commissioners already have allocated dollars at General Assistance for this purpose. Certainly, there exist county residents having difficulty paying their rent as a secondary situation resulting from a primary situation like suffering unemployment. However, there are thousands of other citizens similarly suffering financial hardships, difficulty paying mortgages, utility bills, and property taxes. County commissioners should not play favorites. Concentrate on judiciously distributing these funds to personnel and programs on the front lines fighting the effects of COVID-19.

Thank you.
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Notes from the County Board meeting:
The County Health Dept. wants money for “navigators” to assist people requesting COVID-19 financial aid.
Funds for hotel rooms with free laundry services for homeless people infected by the virus at shelters and for medically-fragile citizens, costing $1,347,000.
Commissioner Boyle suggested the county purchase an apartment building for these people and then re-sell it, after the virus outbreak subsides.
Also, $250,000 for minority community members to help with virus contact tracings and $50,000 for interpreters who can translate for illegal aliens.
Public Properties Dept. wants new whirlpools for County Health Center to more easily move patients.
General Assistance Dept. wants to work with nonprofit groups (liberals) to spend funds and will
need to hire additional personnel.
Wants $1 million initially to pay for rental assistance for the poor. Sum then boosted to $10 million at the suggestion of Commissioner Cavanaugh. Yet, there exists no criteria for eligibility, no income guidelines, no application process, no evidence required for need, no limit on length of eligibility, and no evidence required for coronavirus illness or for loss of employment or employment furlough.
Private nonprofits already dispense rent subsidies, e.g., St. Vincent de Paul, Community Alliance, but no
auditing set for county coronavirus funds dispensed by these nonprofits, which could set their
guidelines with no accountability.
County Treasurer wants $45,000 for a phone upgrade system, $929 for thermometers, and $51,214 for office supplies.

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