RESOLUTION NO. 449
AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ADVANCE ALBANY COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO ASSIST THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF ALBANY COUNTY AND AMENDING THE 2020 ALBANY COUNTY BUDGET
Introduced: 11/9/20
By Messrs. A. Joyce, Feeney, Ms. Willingham, Messrs. Peter, Perlee, Smith, O’Brien, Reinhardt, Ms. Lekakis, Messrs. Ricard, R. Joyce, Clay, Miller, Domalewicz, Ms. McLaughlin and Mr. Cleary:
WHEREAS, No greater threat to the businesses in Albany County was felt than the onset of the COVID-19 global health pandemic and resulting restrictions causing businesses to shut their doors temporarily, and in some cases permanently, and
WHEREAS, The economic recovery needed in Albany County depends on, in no small part, the stabilization and recovery of small businesses, and
WHEREAS, Although the health crisis and resulting economic depression has negatively impacted county finances, assistance to small businesses during this time is critical to the economic recovery of Albany County, and
WHEREAS, To provide direct assistance to small businesses, the County of Albany will best be served by the provision of assistance by an outside entity capable of handling the implementation of the following goals:
Small Business Grants: up to $2,500 for small businesses (defined as for-profit businesses with a physical location within Albany County which are not chains) employing fifty (50) or fewer employees per location.
Eligible businesses must generate sales tax.
Grants may be used for the following reasons:
1. Back rent, so long as it does not exceed two (2) months.
2. The purchase of up to two (2) weeks of perishable goods.
3. Expenses related to retrofitting the businesses for COVID-19 (i.e., personal protective equipment, contactless purchasing, online ordering services, non-permanent physical modifications for customer interaction or creating safe spaces for employees to work); and
WHEREAS, The Director of the Department of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning has opined that the Advance Albany County Alliance is a perfect venue for the distribution of these grants, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature that the County Executive is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Advance Albany County Alliance in the amount of $300,000 to administer the issuance of small business grants as set forth herein, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the 2020 Albany County Budget is amended as follows:
Decrease Appropriation Account A1010.4 by $8,000 by decreasing Line Item A1010 4 4046 Fees for Services by $8,000
Decrease Appropriation Account A1010.4 by $67,000 by decreasing Line Item A1010 4 4049 Special Programs by $67,000
Decrease Appropriation Account A1010.4 by $225,000 by decreasing Line Item A1010 4 4511 Albany County Depart/Com Dev Prg by $225,000
Increase Appropriation Account A8020.4 by $300,000 by Increasing Line Item A8020 4 4046 Fees for Services by $300,000
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the County Attorney is authorized to approve said agreement as to form and content, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the County Legislature is directed to forward certified copies of this resolution to the appropriate County Officials.
Referred to Economic Development and Audit and Finance Committees - 11/9/20
Favorable Recommendation Economic Development - 11/18/20
Favorable Recommendation Audit and Finance Committee - 11/19/20