Here to Help

From Jonathan Shull, Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of the Executive Committee and Authority staff, we hope this message finds you, your families, and the public you serve healthy and safe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and adversely impacted all our communities in substantial ways and the totality of its impact on local government is far-reaching. Since the beginning, the Authority has placed a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of its members. That commitment remains unchanged, the Authority is here to help.

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As California continues to ease into reopening, many of you are planning for the safe reopening of your communities. The Authority’s risk managers have responded to questions about resuming agency operations, reopening trails, restarting parks and recreation activities, and keeping employees and the public safe. To assist with this effort, the Authority is making available a COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan template which provides a framework for achieving social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities, use of face coverings, as well as other important workplace considerations. Members can download the document via the online “Library,” located in the “Resources” section of the Authority’s website.

On May 20, a panel of member agency city managers discussed leading and managing their communities during the current pandemic in “The City Manager Perspective on COVID-19” webinar. The panelists included:

• Dylan Feik, Monrovia
• Chris Freeland, Indian Wells
• Derek Johnson, San Luis Obispo
• Mike Killebrew, Dana Point
• Jim Lewis, Pismo Beach
• Thaddeus McCormack, Lakewood

The panel discussed challenges including revenues, employee wellness/displaced workers, homelessness; and strategies for reopening local government including cleaning facilities/public areas, resuming programs, community services, and cost cutting strategies. The discussion was informative and insightful. The recorded webinar is available here.

The Authority has long supported the League of California Cities in advancing local priorities in the legislature and in city halls throughout the state. The League has been in the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and has fought to ensure all cities have the resources they need to protect their communities. As shared elsewhere in this newsletter, the Authority is pleased to be a partner with others from local government, labor, and business in the League’s “Support Local Recovery: Vibrant Cities. Strong Economies” campaign to advocate for funding for cities to address COVID-19 impacts.

The Authority recognizes that members are faced with the reality of reduced revenues, cash flow issues, and long waits for state and federal assistance. We considered how we can assist members while maintaining our own prudent financial practices. In response, the Executive Committee approved a partial deferment of the annual contributions. The deferment will apply to the Liability and Workers’ Compensation programs. Members will have the option to pay their contributions in two equal installments. The first installment is due on July 15, 2020, and the second installment is due on January 1, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Lam Le, Financial Analyst.

Over the coming weeks and months, the Authority’s core values of integrity, excellence, innovation, and teamwork will drive our stewardship of the members and their communities through the next phases of this pandemic.

Please call on our staff. We are ready and able to help you.

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