Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution consenting to the continuation of the Declaration of Local State of Disaster for a Public Health Emergency.
Summary
DATE: August 17, 2021
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Peter C. Perez, Emergency Management Coordinator
SUBJECT: Public Health Emergency Disaster Declaration
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On March 18, 2020, Mayor Jose Segarra issued a Declaration of Local State of Disaster for Public Health Emergency in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a) authorizes the Mayor, as the Director of Emergency Management, to declare a local state of disaster. Pursuant to Section 418.108(b), on March 24, 2020, the City Council extended the state of disaster for a Public Health Emergency until the similar Bell County declaration ended. On June 1, 2021, Bell County terminated its declaration, thus ending Killeen’s declaration.
During July 2021, active cases and hospitalization rates have risen significantly. On August 5, 2021, Bell County Public Health District raised the County COVID-19 threat level to Level 1: Severe Uncontrolled Community Transmission. In order to ensure that the City is able to request needed resources from the State of Texas and coordinate the local response, Mayor Segarra recently issued a new Declaration of Local State of Disaster for a Public Health Emergency.
The Stafford Act requires local jurisdictions to issue a Disaster Declaration in order to request resources outside of its jurisdiction and only allows emergency costs to be submitted for reimbursement that have occurred while under a Disaster Declaration.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may:
1. Not continue the Mayor’s declaration;
2. Consent to continue the Mayor’s declaration for a defined time; or
3. Consent to continue the Mayor’s declaration indefinitely until terminated by the Mayor.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Due to rising active cases, the need to continue coordinating resources, and to adhere to Stafford Act declaration requirements, Staff recommends that the Mayor’s declaration be extended indefinitely until terminated by the Mayor.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This action conforms to Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code and City of Killeen Ordinance Chapter 10.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
No fiscal impact is associated with this action.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
n/a
Is this expenditure budgeted?
n/a
If not, where will the money come from?
n/a
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
Due to rising active cases, the need to continue coordinating resources, and to adhere to Stafford Act declaration requirements, Staff recommends that the Mayor’s declaration be extended indefinitely until terminated by the Mayor.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Emergency Management/Fire
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Local State of Disaster Declaration