September 28, 2020
 ALACHUA COUNTY CARES ACT UPDATE
Alachua County is in the process of distributing millions in CARES Act dollars to individuals, businesses, and agencies. Distributing these dollars is a unique process and experience for the County. We have created our CARES Act program from scratch to best serve those in need without violating the strict Federal grant guidelines. We are in touch with other counties, and everyone is struggling to get this money out quickly. We have continually evolved and streamlined the process wherever possible and have reduced the documentation requirements to the bare minimum. Even with the minimum requirements, the application is complicated. The vast majority of applications require follow-up for missing documentation. We have fielded over 10,000 calls on the Helpline and answered over 10,000 chat requests and emails. We give each application individual attention to help maximize the award by getting more information in the application.

The good news:

  • 1,171 individuals have received an average of $3,095 for a total of $3.6 million.
  • 119 businesses have received an average of $10,411 for a total of $1.2 million.
  • We are actively reviewing 535 individuals (some are ready to pay, just waiting on the next payment cycle) and 48 businesses.
  • The County has allocated approximately $10 million to assist local agencies who have faced large COVID-19 fiscal impacts such as the School Board, the Health Department, the Constitutional offices, the municipalities, and others.
  • The County is considering using CARES Act dollars to assist non-profits that provide social services, homeless care, and to continue helping public schools.

The difficult news:

  • We are waiting for the required information from 635 individuals and 41 businesses, many that are close to approval.
  • We have 2,104 individuals and 3 businesses waiting for review. We are reviewing them in the order received.
  • The vast majority of applications require follow-up for missing documentation.
  • We have denied 1,114 individuals and 135 businesses. Despite our best efforts to find a way, these are applicants that did not meet the minimum requirements of the CARES Act. Some of these denials are under appeal.

Please be assured that we are continually trying to streamline and speed up this process. Thank you for your patience. 
County Commission Lowers Property Tax Rate
In a move that will save taxpayers approximately $6.5 million, the Alachua County Commission has lowered the millage rate of both the General Fund and the Law Enforcement, Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU).

Setting a millage rate determines property taxes in Florida. One mill is one-tenth of a percent, which equates to $1 in taxes for every $1,000 in home value. Many different authorities, including counties, municipalities, school boards, and special districts, levy these taxes.
County Offers Text Alerts for Emergency Orders
The Alachua County Commission creates and enforces new Emergency Orders in the midst of this pandemic. The goal of these Orders is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Residents who would like to receive updates when new Emergency Orders are released can now sign up for text alerts. Those wanting alerts should text ALACHUAEO to 888-777.

Alachua County Communications and Legislative Affairs Director Mark Sexton said, “This is a great way for people to stay updated on the latest information concerning these Orders.”
Special Needs Registry Program
Alachua County Emergency Management is pleased to announce the ability for Special Needs Registry Program registration to be conducted online. The Alachua County Special Needs Registry is specifically targeted for individuals that have certain physical or medical conditions and no options to shelter at home, with friends, family, or elsewhere during a disaster. 

County Awards Mini, Major, and Matching Art Grants
The Alachua County Commission is pleased to announce the artists, artist collaborators, and not-for-profit organizations selected to receive Mini, Major, and Matching Art grants, funded through “I Support the Arts” license plate sales.

The grants were awarded as follows:

  • Mini Grants ($500 each): Actors Warehouse, New Tech Now, C. Carnes and W. Free.
  • Major Grants ($1,750 each): P. Valcante, D. Velez Climent, T. Bailey, K. Robinson, and Star Center
  • Matching Grant ($3,000): City of Alachua
Prepare yourself for the 2020 elections
From the Gainesville Sun
The start of a new decade is here, and with it comes a historic election year.

I challenge everyone in Alachua County to use this new beginning to commit themselves to participating fully in the elections process. Pay attention to what is going on in our communities. Make your voice heard through elections. Recognize we are better — and the places we live are better — when all of us participate.
Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson
At a recent County Commission meeting, E. Stanley Richardson, Alachua County's first Poet Laureate, shared a powerful new poem.
Water Wisdom Virtual Environmental Educational Programming for Youth
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is excited to launch the virtual Water Wisdom program for teaching youth about local water resources. Last year EPD staff was able to offer over 100 classroom presentations reaching thousands of students through Gainesville Clean Water Partnership funding. With many students in a virtual environment this semester, there is a need for virtual programming to continue to highlight how we can all protect our water. Simple videos will be posted to Alachua County’s Facebook site and YouTube Channel throughout this semester, so educators can access the content whenever convenient. Topics will include watershed concepts, preventing stormwater pollution, springs protection, water conservation, and more. 
County Historical Commission Vacancies
The Alachua County Historical Commission (ACHC) currently has vacancies, including one alternate member. County residents with a knowledge of local history are encouraged to apply, and appointments will be made by the County Commission in late October. The application deadline is October 5, 2020.
October Extension Programs