TO: Maryland Municipal Leaders
FROM: Scott A. Hancock, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Weekly UPDATE on MML’s Operational Commitment During COVID-19 Emergency
DATE: April 20, 2020
In last week’s UPDATE, I shared that MML was in conversations with the Hogan Administration regarding disbursement of CARES Act funding to local governments. Just this morning, I sent an email to every Maryland Chief Elected and Chief Appointed municipal official with guidance on how the State of Maryland plans to distribute the first round of stimulus funding. The most important distinction with this initial funding is the requirement that this is a reimbursement allocation that “must be directly related to expenditures incurred to address the COVID-19 pandemic”. For those cities within the five Maryland jurisdictions who are receiving direct Federal funding, including Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, there is no guidance provided on how Federal funds should be shared with municipal governments. I have urged all municipal leaders in those jurisdictions to reach out to the respective counties for guidance on how and when to submit requests for reimbursement.
For those cities and towns in the remaining 19 counties, the State plans to disburse funds to reimburse qualified expenditures through the local health departments. Specific mention in the guidance offered by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to those applicable county governments includes municipalities. Cities and towns within those 19 counties are being asked to contact the local health department for guidance on submitting reimbursement requests.
In other Stimulus news, Congress has been wrangling over what to include in future funding packages. Flexible, direct funding for state and local governments has been at the center of the debate. As of the date of this update, local governments await congressional action. I encourage municipal leaders to personally reach out to your member of Congress and encourage them to support a direct allocation of federal funding for each and every local government, regardless of population.
MML’s Board of Directors will meet virtually this Saturday, April 25th for their regular Spring meeting. Among the business items is a discussion on the upcoming Summer Conference and the options available as we look ahead two months into the “crystal ball”.
Don’t forget that MML’s FAQ page in our COVID-19 Resource Center is constantly updated with new information. The Municipal Connections Forum provides much of the inspiration for the FAQ page so please post your ideas, questions or comments to share with your fellow municipal officials. It is password protected so your thoughts are shared with only municipal officials or staff.
Your MML staff team remains committed to supporting you in any way we can during this emergency. We are constantly awed by the many innovative and caring ways municipal officials are leading their communities. Please let us know how we can help you!
Please stay well, safe and continue the social distancing practices. Find ways to reduce mental stress, as well. We will come through this together #MunicipalMarylandStrong!
Shareable Link to Memorandum