PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Fitzpatrick Encourages County Health Department Funding
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri
State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick held a conference call today with Missouri’s
county government leaders to ensure county health departments have adequate
funding to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The Treasurer provided an optional Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) to alleviate some local government concerns regarding
dispersing funds to their local public health agencies (LPHA). The Office of
Administration also discussed CARES Act Funds reporting guidelines and
procedures. Treasurer Fitzpatrick worked
with the Governor’s Office, the Office of Administration, and the Department of
Health and Senior Services to develop an MOU that protects a signing county
from being held liable for CARES Act money distributed to an LPHA if the county
transfers the lesser of 15% of the county’s total distribution from the State or
the actual request of funds by the LPHA. Today’s call walked through this
MOU in detail. Earlier this year, the
legislature passed an emergency
spending bill directing 25% of funds received by the state from the
Coronavirus Relief Fund created in the CARES Act be distributed to Missouri
counties based on population within ten days of receipt. In June, the Treasurer’s Office
held a conference call with Missouri’s county leaders and the U.S. Treasury
Department to acquire more clarity and help facilitate spending
decisions. The full audio from June’s conference call can be accessed here. Audio from today’s call as well
as the MOU will be found here
when available. ### Follow the
Treasurer’s Office on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @motreasurer.
