County staff: about $14 million in federal reimbursements outstanding, but CDC/HRSA say drawdowns may continue

Dallas County officials told the Commissioners Court on Oct. 7 they are monitoring potential impacts from a partial federal shutdown and that the county currently carries roughly $14 million in federal reimbursement costs that have been incurred but not yet received.

Why it matters: County subrecipients and departments that rely on federal reimbursements can face cash‑flow risk if drawdowns are blocked or delayed; the court asked officials for contingency planning and subrecipient notification procedures.

County finance and health staff briefed the court on the receivables and contingency posture. “There’s a almost $7,000,000 in each category that is outstanding in terms of that we haven't received a reimbursement for,” a county official said, and later confirmed, “Yes, sir. So total of about $14,000,000 approximately.” Officials explained that the figure represents the ordinary lag between incurred costs, billing and reimbursement and that some departments maintain a short reserve. Dr. Huang (county administration/health finance) told the court that CDC and HRSA had issued guidance indicating drawdowns could continue, and that departments therefore do not foresee immediate disruptions.

Commissioners asked whether subrecipients had been alerted; officials said they had not issued broad notices because the agencies (CDC/HRSA) have told the county funds remain accessible, but the county will notify partners if guidance changes. Staff also said reimbursement timing varies by department and program, and that HHS and public‑works programs are among the largest federal funding recipients.

Ending: County staff told commissioners they will monitor reimbursement status closely and post updates if guidance changes. Officials characterized the present exposure as within typical reimbursement lag but asked the court to be ready to act if federal guidance changes.