2020-17 Requesting Congress Funding for Expenditures Caused by Novel CoronavirusRESOLUTION NO. 2020-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT CONGRESS PASS
LEGISLATION PROVIDING DIRECT FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO ALL
MUNICIPALITIES TO HELP MITIGATE EXPENDITURES AND CURRENT
AND FUTURE LOSSES AS A RESULT OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
(COVID-19) PANDEMIC; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary time for the nation and the
world, and it has significantly altered the normal day-to-day life of most Floridians;
and
WHEREAS, since Florida cases of the Coronavirus were first reported, Florida's cities,
towns and villages have been continuously working to respond to the needs of
their residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, Florida municipalities have been coordinating efforts among first responders,
local health care professionals, and county and state partners as they work
together to combat this pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Florida municipalities have been taking extraordinary measures to both limit
the spread of COVID-19 and support local businesses, all while keeping the health
and safety of their residents at the forefront of their efforts; and
WHEREAS, municipalities have been utilizing general revenues and implementing
innovative and effective programs to deliver targeted relief such as mini grants, fee
reductions and utility bill assistance to residents and small businesses needing
help; and
WHEREAS, the fiscal consequences of COVID-19 are unprecedented, and municipalities
are now facing financial shortfalls while maintaining essential services for their
residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, Congress has passed several stimulus packages to provide relief to
individuals and businesses facing enormous challenges as a result of COVID-19;
and
WHEREAS, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided
direct federal relief to local governments with a minimum population of 500,000,
which applied to only one Florida municipality; and
WHEREAS, Congress has not provided any direct funding to Florida's municipalities with
a population under 500,000 to help mitigate the devasting and unexpected fiscal
and employment impacts this pandemic has caused; and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida's plan to
disburse up to $1.275 billion in CARES Act funds to counties with a population
below 500,000 and recommended that counties share funds with municipalities
within their jurisdictions, but these funds are not guaranteed nor directly available
to municipalities; and
WHEREAS, municipalities are a key component to accelerating Florida's economic
recovery and providing a climate that will help businesses thrive, attract visitors
from all over the world and enhance the quality of life that the citizens of Florida
expect and deserve.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee:
Section 1: The City of Okeechobee urges Congress to pass direct federal funding
assistance to all municipalities that will help rebuild and restore the
economic health of our nation by restoring the economic health of our
municipalities.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-17, Page 1 of 2
Section 2: The City of Okeechobee also urges Congress to support S. 3742 by
Senators Cory Booker (D -NJ), Steve Daines, (R -MT) and Patty Murray (D -
WA) and H.R. 6907 by Representatives Daniel Kildee (D -MI -5), Brian
Fitzpatrick (R -PA -5), Dwight Evans (D -PA -3) and Fred Upton (R -MI -6) titled
the RELIEF for Main Street Act. This bi-partisan legislation would allocate
direct funding assistance to municipalities, counties and states to provide
local relief and recovery funds for small businesses within their jurisdictions.
Section 3: The City Clerk of the City of Okeechobee is hereby directed to send copies
of this Resolution to the Florida Congressional Delegation, and the
membership of the City of Okeechobee.
Section 4: This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida,
on this 6t" day of October, 2020.
ATTLST:
Lane G miotea, C C, City Clerk
REVIEWEDEG:�NCY:L S
John J. umero, City Attorney
Dowling R. Wa r , Jr., Mayor
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-17, Page 2 of 2