County seeks consensus to create short‑term safety‑net fund for at‑risk federal grants

Patrice Sutton told the committee that monitoring federal funding uncertainty prompted staff to propose a short‑term safety‑net fund to support programs if federal reimbursements are abruptly suspended. She said the county identified $26,900,000 of active grants at risk within three departments (health, community development and workforce development) out of $36,500,000 in current awards.

Sutton described examples of abrupt federal actions and reversals—citing a recent SAMHSA cancellation notice that was later reversed—and said departments that rely on reimbursement‑driven grants sometimes must make immediate operational decisions (for example, canceling or carrying on contracted training). A safety‑net fund, she said, would provide time for orderly transitions and avoid abrupt layoffs while staff pursues alternative funding or legal remedies.

Committee members broadly supported the concept and requested details: a breakdown by program, potential funding sources (contingency vs. fund balance), policy adjustments to grant‑funded position notices, and incorporation of the safety net into upcoming budget priorities. Sutton said staff will continue design work and return with a detailed plan for committee approval.