TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion Regarding Budgetary Effects of COVID-19
Recommended Action
Discussion and Possible Action
Background Information
As a result of COVID-19, on March 17, the City Commission held an emergency meeting declaring a local state of emergency. Governor DeSantis issued a 'safe at home' order, in effect until April 30. On April 16, the federal government has suggested a phased approach to "open" the country and return to a (new) routine of normalcy. As of April 17, nationwide, over 22,000,000 unemployment applications have been received. To aid businesses and families, the federal government has issued multiple trillion-dollar emergency relief packages. At this point, the economic and social effects of COVID-19 cannot begin to be quantified.
It is always easy to budget when times are good. During challenging times budgets can be quite overwhelming. The economic effects of COVID-19 not only affect our citizens and our businesses but will affect the City of North Port too. The financial health of our city is our fiduciary responsibility. Any changes made now, to the FY 19/20 budget, will advance our efforts as we prepare for post-COVID-19 recovery in the upcoming FY 20/21 budget cycle.
This agenda item was prepared as a springboard to have a pro-active conversation with my fellow commissioners and give clear direction to to our City Manager.
Strategic Plan
Efficient and Effective Government
Financial Impact
Unknown
Procurement
N/A
Attachments:
1. None
Prepared by: Pete Lear, City Manager for Mayor Debbie McDowell
Department Director: Pete Lear, City Manager