2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) is monitoring the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and the effect it has on our global and local communities.
County government plays an important role in public health emergencies, balancing the need to give citizens accurate information without creating unnecessary fear. However, counties need to be proactive. Scenarios such as young adults returning from study-abroad programs or travelers on planes and cruise ships returning to your community, can expose your county to COVID-19. Senior citizens with underlying health issues are most at risk.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. #INthistogether
The passage of the federal CARES Act last month sent $2.4B to Indiana to assist in covering the cost of response to the COVID-19 response. The state has now established a program by which it will distribute $300M of that money to counties, cities, and towns to assist in covering the costs that local government has experienced from the pandemic. Attached you will find a letter from the Indiana Office of Management and Budget that describes the program, and how to participate in receiving funding. We urge you to carefully review the letter and visit the Indiana Finance Authority website that is referenced to understand the eligible expenses, accounting, and application procedures.
Every office of county government will need to be engaged with this process to make sure that county government's role and expenses of COVID-19 response are fully accounted for and, where possible, reimbursed. AIC will host a webinar for our members on Monday, May 18th to answer frequently asked questions and assist in communication between membership and the state administration. Please be on the lookout for invitation and instructions on how to access that webinar.
As always, please let AIC know if you have any questions related to this program or other aspect of COVID-19 response.
Please click here to read the letter from Cristopher Johnston from Office of Management & Budget.
Please click here to see the CRF Funding Units Grouped by County.
Please click here to read the press release from Aim and AIC.
Ivy Tech Report on COVID Fallout and Response
Our friends at Ivy Tech are producing weekly snapshots of the ongoing COVID response and impacts. Statewide and Community based information is available on topics from Workforce Development to Economic Opportunity. Click here for this week’s report.
Return to Work Webinar
Friday, May 29, 2020 at 11:00 am.
In partnership with the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC), a team of Apex experts will host a discussion entitled "The Government Sector and COVID-19: Cost Concerns and Return to the Workplace Challenges."
Apex experts will help asses considerations for employee well-being upon returning to the workplace and probable impact on already tightened budgets.
Panelists will discuss:
- Who is most at risk and what are the risk factors?
- Which employees do you call back to work - when and how?
- What preventative measures could you put in place, such as temperature checks or workplace modifications?
- Likely issues that will arise once they arrive, including Americans with Disabilities Act, OHSA and EEOC matters
- Helping employees cope with stressors related to returning to the workplace
- Assessing financial impact as COVID-19 claims emerge and new claims are incurred due to treatments and procedures that had been previously postponed
About the webinar:
Welcome by: Shawna Schewgman, Business Development Consultant
Panelists:
Brooke Salazar, JD, PHR, Apex Human Resources Consultant and Associate Internal General Counsel
Sarah Michaels, RN, Director of Apex Population Health and Analytics
Roger Greenawalt, Apex Health Information Actuary
The webinar will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29.
Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5318960474176717835.
May 19, 10 am-12 pm ET
IU Environmental Resilience Institute -ERI
Webinar: The Economic Value of Preparedness and Resilience
Wednesday, June 10, 2020; 12 - 1pm Eastern
Register Now
Climate change response is costly, and preparedness measures are must less expensive. But it can be hard to justify expenditures now when the future is uncertain and there are other immediate needs for scarce resources. Attend this webinar to learn about resources that help local governments make informed decisions on where to allocate funding, and how to weigh outcomes verses expenditures.
IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute is collecting feedback on its ERI Toolkit (ERIT), an online resource that helps local governments in the Midwest prepare for climate change. Please complete this user survey before May 15th to help improve the tool.
ICE MILLER
Preparing for the Return (to Work)
Webinar, Wednesday, April 29th at 2:00 EST.
As our federal, state and local governments signal that the "reopening" of the economy is near, employers—whether they have been closed for a period of time, operating (at partial capacity or with some employees working remotely) as essential businesses, or conducting all business remotely—need to prepare for their employees to return. This webinar will cover the various steps employers should consider as they welcome their employees back into the workplace and the myriad of questions and issues that may arise, from preparing your physical space to managing the employee who does not feel comfortable returning and the leaves you may be required to provide.
This program is pending approval of 1 hour of:
- Indiana Distance Education CLE credit
- PDC for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP
Click here to view the Webinar
Dentons
Webinar | COVID-19: Stimulus Funding Opportunities for Municipal & Local Governments
Our panel of experts will provide information about how Indiana might utilize Coronavirus Relief funds, opportunities currently available to local governments, and what the next phase of relief funding could provide for local governments.
Panelists:
Jim Schellinger, Indiana Secretary of Commerce
Justin McAdam, Deputy Director & General Counsel of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget
David Quam, Co-leader of the Denton’s advocacy network
Moderator: David Tandy, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum
Jim Schellinger is the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Schellinger also serves on the U.S. Investment Advisory Council, where he advises on national strategies and efforts to increase foreign direct investment.
Justin McAdam is the General Counsel and Policy Director for the Indiana Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In that role, he provides legal and policy advice to the governor, OMB director, and agencies under the OMB umbrella.
David Quam is a member of Dentons’ Public Policy practice and co-leads Dentons 50, the firm’s 50-state advocacy network that provides clients facing complex, multi-state policy matters with on-the-ground government relations capabilities in every state capitol.
David W. Tandy serves as Of Counsel in the Louisville office of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum where he practices with the firm's Diversified Business Solutions team and is a member of the Economic Development group.
LTAP - COVID-19 and Local Transportation Funding Webinar
One more important role we must continue is the funding of our local highway departments. LTAP will be offering a very informative webinar to bring you all up to date on the impact that COVID-19 is expected to have on our MVH revenues.
This webinar will look at the revenue sources for the Motor Vehicle Highway Account, the Local Road and Street Account, and Community Crossings and how the "stay at home" order can be affecting them. This will provide some helpful information on how to plan for the future and how to utilize your asset management plan during this pandemic.
AIC - Indiana Bond Bank 2020 COVID-19 Assistance
Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 which allows for property tax waivers for up to 60 days past May 11, 2020. This is likely to have a significant impact on local Indiana governments and their management of cashflows. The Indiana Bond Bank offers the Advance Funding Program to assist local units of government facing cashflow shortages. For over 30 years, the Advance Funding Program has provided funds for the purchase of temporary loan tax or revenue anticipation warrants, while eliminating the need to bid the financing. Please join us of this this webinar for an overview of the program and current application process for the 2020 Midyear Advance Funding Program.
State Board of Accounts, Purdue Extension
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing everyone to re-examine nearly every aspect of day-to-day life. The State Board of Accounts has been considering how local units may need to react to this changing landscape and how those reactions will be perceived at audit time. Several SBOA leaders will be on hand to provide guidance and answer your questions. Join SBOA personnel to discuss the position of the State Board of Accounts regarding accounting for situations related to the Coronavirus, including items to consider when developing actions and policies regarding the coronavirus.
Schools and Townships
Watch WebinarDownload Handout
Counties, Cities/Towns, Libraries and Special Districts
Watch WebinarDownload Handout
NACo
Caring for the Aging Population During COVID-19: Resources for County Leaders
County governments play a critical role serving elderly Americans in partnership with local area agencies on aging. As this already vulnerable population faces heightened risk for serious health complications due to COVID-19, county leaders are providing older Americans with key supports while keeping them safe from exposure to the virus.
Join NACo and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) for a webinar detailing best practices for county officials to safely and effectively serve our elderly residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ice Miller
Local Government COVID-19 Roundtables
Some local Purdue Extension Community Development Educators are offering a time for regional leaders to meet through Zoom to share information, questions, and ideas with each other in terms of COVID-19 impact and response. These are open meetings. No registration required. Click here for more information.
The Economic Outlook and State/Local Government in Indiana- On Local Government, April 2020
Be First. Be RIght. Be Credible. Meeting Local-level Crisis Communication Challenges of the Pandemic
A video message from AIC Board President, Anton Neff, Owen County Council, on March 30, 2020.
The Association of Indiana Counties is in the process of creating weekly webinars to answer questions from membership dealing with the ongoing changes due to COVID-19. We have compiled questions and worked with the appropriate agencies for answers. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Please click here to view 4.3.2020 PowerPoint with the questions and answers.
Please click here to view 3.27.2020 PowerPoint with the questions and answers.
COVID-19 County Operational Opening Status
COVID-19 County Operational Status 5.15.2020 12:00 pm
Please contact Elizabeth Mallers at emallers@indianacounties.org if your county has any changes/updates.
Governor Holcomb announced on May 1, 2020 a roadmap to safely reopen Indiana. He has a five-stage plan to get Indiana’s economy back on track.
Read the full plan here: https://backontrack.in.gov/
EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Governor's Executive Order 20-28
Reopen Stage3
Governor's Executive Order 20-27
Additional Matters
Governor's Executive Order 20-26
Roadmap to Reopen
Governor's Executive Order 20-25
Renewal of Public Health Emergency declaration of Covid-19
Governor's Executive Order 20-24
Resumption of elective and non-urgent medical procedures
Governor's Executive Order 20-23
Additional Directives Business Health
Governor's Executive Order 20-22
Extension of Stay at Home
Governor's Executive Order 20-21
Additional Directives Health Finance Matters
Governor's Executive Order 20-20
Additional Educational Matters
Governor's Executive Order 20-19
Additonal Directives to Manage Health Response
Governor's Executive Order 20-18
Continue Stay at Home, Restaurants, Govt Operations
Governor's Executive Order 20-17
Renewal of Public Health Emergency declaration of COVID-19
Governor's Executive Order 20-16
Education
Governor's Executive Order 20-15
Miscellaneous Govt Functions
Governor's Executive Order 20-14
Continuation of Restaurant Alcohol Executive Orders
Governor's Executive Order 20-13
Medical Surge
Governor's Executive Order 20-12
Further Directives Helping Hoosiers
Governor's Executive Order 20-11
Carryout Consumption of Alcohol
Click here to read Executive Order 20-11
Governor's Executive Order 20-10
Enforcement of In-Person Dining Prohibition
Click here to read Executive Order 20-10
Governor's Executive Order 20-09
Continuity of Government Operations
Click here to read Executive Order 20-09
Governor's Executive Order 20-08
Stay at Home
Click here to read Executive Order 20-08
Please click here to read the press release on Governor Holcomb's Executive Order on stay at home.
Governor's Executive Order 20-07
Please click here to read the press release on Governor Holcomb's Executive Order on Rescheduling the primary election due to public health emergency.
Click here to read Executive Order 20-07.
Governor's Executive Order 20-06
Click here to read Executive Order 20-06
Governor's Executive Order 20-05
Click here to read Executive Order 20-05
Governor's Executive Order 20-04
Please click here to read the press release on Governor Holcomb's Executive Order relaxing some administrative laws and temporarily suspending enforcement of some statutes. Click here to read Executive Order 20-04.
The governor's executive order also delays non-essential public meetings. For essential meetings, one member is required to be physically present, but other members will be allowed to participate electronically.
State Resources
Please click here to read a memo from Paul Joyce, State Examiner on the recent fraud schemes.
Please click here to read the guidance for Counties on accounting for the emergency grants being paid by the Federal Government from the State Board of Accounts.
Continuity of Essential Operations
Please click here to see the memo from Paul D. Joyce, CPA from State Board of Accounts on the Continuity of Essential Operations
The Indiana Election Commissioner’s Order: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/Indiana%20Election%20Commission%20Order%202020-37%20(002)%20g.pdf
Please call the IN State Department of Health Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 [317-233-1325 after hours] or e-mail epiresource@isdh.in.gov if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to China or contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19.
- IN State Department of Health (here) This includes map of reported cases in Indiana.
- IN Department of Education (here)
- IN Department of Labor (here)
- IN Department of Homeland Security (here)
- IN Department of Homeland Security - County Travel Status (here)
Commissioner's Order: Concerning Relocation of LTC Facility Residents during the COVID-19 Outbreak (updates 4/14/20)
SBOA memo on the use of electronic signature
SBOA letter issued March 16 on county operations
Please read the Directive from the State Examiner of the Board of Accounts regarding timely deposits and approving claims during the emergency related to the coronavirus.
2020 State Government Overview Report 3.17.2020
The last time a virus presented itself like Coronavirus was the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) of 2009. During that time period, many counties created a County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) or Continuity of Government (COG) plan. Monroe County’s COOP plan can be found at this link:
https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13906/MC-Coop-Plan-2011-PDF?bidId=
Contact your homeland security or emergency management director to find your plan.
https://www.in.gov/dhs/4270.htm
Financial_Services_Sector_Essential_Critical_Infrastructure_Workers
CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers New 4.17.2020
Executive Order on the Waiver of Penalties for Delinquent Property Tax Payments
Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Small Business Administration Additional Information
Gov. Holcomb COVID-19 letter and workforce guide
State Examiner Paul Joyce Policy Regarding COVID-19
Gov. Holcomb Announces New Steps to Protect Public from COVID-19
Federal Resources
The US Treasury Department released updated guidance on use of CARES Act money. Read the extensive list of FAQs.
Click here to read Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act About State and Local Government Support from Senator Mike Braun’s Office.
U.S. Department of the Treasury: The CARES Act Provides Assistance for State and Local Governments
Click here to view the Treasury’s Web Portal and Has They Begin Disbursement of CARES Act Funding to State, Local, and Tribal Governments
FEMA
Please click here to read the FEMA Advisory COVID19 Project Air Bridge Video Information
Please click here to read the FEMA Advisory COVID19 Fact Sheet PPE Preservation Best Practices Information
Please click here to read the FEMA COVID19 Fact Sheet Best Practices PPE Preservation
Please click here to read the FEMA Advisory COVID19 Fact Sheet IRR
Please click here to read the FEMA COVID19 Fact Sheet IRR
FBI
Please click here to read information on the Cyber Criminals Initiate Fraudulent SWIFT Messages via Third-Party Vendors Serving Small Businesses
USDA's COVID -19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
Click here to see USDA’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide Lists Federal Programs That Can Help Rural Communities, Organizations and Residents Impacted by COVID-19.
Nat’l Assn. of Counties (NACO) Analysis of Federal CARES Act
During this critical and unprecedented time, NACo is focused on advocating for the needs of counties at the federal level, disseminating useful information to our members, and facilitating the exchange of effective strategies and approaches.
NACo has launched www.NACo.org/coronavirus, as well as this recurring digest of key resources for counties. Click here to subscribe to updates.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019: HERE
- Coronavirus Task Force national briefings: HERE
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (here)
- U.S. Department of Education (here)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (here)
- U.S. Department of Labor (here)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (here)
- U.S. Department of State (here)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (here)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (here)
- U.S. Department of the Interior (here)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (here)
Click here to read the CISA and NCSC Joint Activity Alert - COVID-19 Exploited by Malicious Cyber Actors
Click here to Interim Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to COVID-19 from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Click here to read a memo from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding efforts to stabilize the supply chain in response to COVID-19.
Please click here to read the US Department of Health and Human Services' information on HIPAA and public health authorities.
Information from Small Business Administration on disaster relief for small businesses.
The Administration has allocated $50 billion to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. For Hoosiers to gain access to this funding, we need to collect small business economic impact data from every county in Indiana so that Governor Holcomb can declare an economic injury disaster. We are working diligently to gain access to this funding and would greatly appreciate your help. If you know of an entrepreneur or small business that has been or anticipates being impacted by the coronavirus, please ask them to complete this form at https://isbdc.org/indianacovid19smallbusiness/.
Bliss McKnight
AIC would like you to be of aware of the resources, provided by our endorsed partner Bliss McKnight, on their Practical HR Resources Web site. These resources provide guidance on preventing the spread of the virus, appropriate occupational health measures, and recommended national and international protocols.
To access the Coronavirus COVID-19 resources from Bliss McKnight click here or go to www.practicalhrresources.com. Click on the red Coronavirus Alert button at the top of the page.
Governor Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Award More Than $126 million through Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative
Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness today announced 214 Indiana cities, towns, and counties received a combined $126.5 million in state matching funds for local road projects through the Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative.
“Hoosier communities are able to take on more needed road work and do it in record time thanks to Community Crossings,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Our commitment to partnering with cities, towns, and counties on vital infrastructure helps build strong communities poised for investment and job growth.”
The Community Crossings Initiative has provided more than $738 million in state matching funds for construction projects. The latest round garnered more applications than dollars available—making the call for projects highly competitive. In response to local requests to help manage project flow, INDOT now accepts applications in both January and July, with a $1 million cap annually per community. An estimated $100 million will be available for communities opting to apply during the July 2020 call for projects.
“INDOT’s mission is to build and maintain Indiana’s transportation to grow our economy and enhance the quality of life in Indiana,” said McGuinness. “Through Community Crossings we’re able to take that commitment to local roads, not just our highways. This sustained investment by the state makes sure that the Crossroads of America is maintained from the first mile to the last mile.”
To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds, 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. They must also submit an INDOT-approved asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. State law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. State lawmakers identified long-term funding for Community Crossings as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017.
The list of all communities receiving matching funds in the 2020 January call for projects is online at www.in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
Stay Informed
Get updates on INDOT projects and programs via:
- Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
- Twitter: @INDOT
- CARS 511: indot.carsprogram.org
- Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android
About Next Level Roads
“With a sustainable, data-driven plan in place to fund roads and bridges, Hoosiers can rest assured that Indiana will remain the Crossroads of America for generations to come.” – Governor Eric J. Holcomb
Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Roads plan is a fully-funded, data-driven investment in Indiana’s transportation infrastructure. Implemented in 2017, Next Level Roads dedicates more than $60 billion to construction and maintenance projects for at least the next 20 years to improve and maintain Indiana’s state highways, finish major projects, and plan for the future. The plan fosters partnerships between the state and Hoosier cities, towns, and counties to deliver high-priority local road projects. Next Level Roads is enhancing Indiana’s economic edge and the quality of life for all Hoosiers. View our interactive Next Level Roads construction map at www.nextlevelroads.com.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation
Over the past 100 years, INDOT has transformed the state of Indiana into the Crossroads of America we know today. With six district offices and 3,500 employees, the agency is responsible for constructing and maintaining more than 29,000 lane miles of highways, more than 5,700 bridges, and supporting 4,500 rail miles and 117 airports across the state. Indiana once again ranked #1 in the U.S. for infrastructure in CNBC’s 2019 “America’s Top States for Business” ranking. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot.
Customer Service
1-855-463-6848
www.indot4u.com
indot@indot.IN.gov
Media Contact
East Central Indiana - Mallory Duncan - 317-467-3479 or maduncan@indot.IN.gov
Northeast Indiana - Scott Manning - 317-233-9866 or smanning1@indot.in.gov
Northwest Indiana - Cassandra Swanson - 219-325-7472 or cswanson1@indot.in.gov
Southeast Indiana - Natalie Garrett - 812-524-3733 or nagarrett@indot.IN.gov
News Media Contact
AIC News Resources
AIC County Achievement & Local Government Cooperation Award Winning Counties
Be sure to visit our You Tube page to view videos about current and previous award winning counties.
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Governor Holcomb provides updates in the fight against #COVID19
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