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As announced by CSDA last week, the $100 Million Independent Special District COVID-19 Relief Fund application period is expected to open October 1-15, 2021. On Monday, September 27, 2021, California Department of Finance (DOF) staff will present a webinar in coordination with CSDA on how to apply for this funding set aside in the State Budget explicitly to assist special districts.

During the September 27 webinar, DOF will discuss the allocation process, provide a preview of the application web portal, and answer questions.

Given the anticipated application period of October 1-15 will require a short turnaround by special districts, officials from every special district are strongly encouraged to participate in the webinar and make immediate preparations to ensure an accurate and timely application process.

All independent special district applicants with eligible revenue losses or expenditures will receive a share of the $100 million relief fund and, therefore, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Details.   According to the Budget Act, this fund is available to provide fiscal relief to special districts that have met all the following criteria:

1. The agency is an independent special district;
2. The district is reporting fiscal impacts due to the COVID-19 public health emergency:
1. The district has encountered unanticipated costs due to the pandemic during the eligible period of March 4, 2020 to June 15, 2021; and/or,
2. The district has encountered loss of revenue during the eligible period, which is calculated using revenue from all fund sources of fiscal year 2020-21 compared against revenue from all fund sources of fiscal year 2018-19;
3. The district has not yet received direct COVID-19 fiscal relief from the state or federal government.

According to the budget language, the plan for distribution must consider:

1. Each qualifying district that applies for relief will receive a prorated share;
2. Each district’s share will be based on a proportionate share of revenue losses reported by all qualifying districts (CSDA anticipates this to be construed by DOF to be distributed based on proportional impact);
3. Applicants will self-attest to the accuracy of all information reported;
4. There is no stated timeline for DOF to release the program funds, but once DOF orders the State Controller to remit funds to each County Auditor-Controller, they must disburse the funds within 30 days of receipt from the State Controller.