Relief for businesses, households after losses

Orange County plans to offer $243M available from federal CARES Act

Orange County will soon begin offering $10,000 grants to small businesses and $1,000 to people who have faced furloughs or job losses as part of its plan to spend $243.2 million in coronavirus relief dollars from the federal CARES Act.

The county has set aside 30% of its federal money — $72.9 million — expecting to aid 6,500 small businesses, said Kurt Petersen, director of budget and management.

“Brick-and-mortar” businesses with no more than 25 employees can apply for a one-time $10,000 grant to cover normal business expenses such as employee wages, rent and bills from vendors.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he wants to keep hurdles to the dollars low for business owners and residents.

“Individuals in our community, they need the funds now,” Demings said.

Orange County commissioners gave unanimous approval to the spending recommendations crafted by teams of county staff.

“This is really I think good news for our citizens,” Demings said after the board’s vote. “If we can execute this plan, we will be able to help the right people in our community.”

The county also plans to spend $72.9 million on social-service and community needs, including about half of that amount on direct payments on behalf of struggling households.

People who have faced a job loss or reduced hours can apply for $1,000 grants to help pay rent, mortgages, medical bills or utilities. Orange is one of 12 Florida counties that was large enough to receive a direct payment from the $2 trillion package in federal funds. The CARES Act — an acronym for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump on March 27.

The virus is blamed for more than 2,000 deaths in Florida and soaring unemployment claims as businesses were forced to close. Walt Disney World, the region’s largest employer, has been shuttered for nine weeks along with Universal Orlando.

Petersen said the eligibility criteria for households in need of the money was kept simple to avoid backlogs in applications.

To be eligible for $1,000, a household must prove county residency, US citizenship or legal permanent residency and income loss — a furlough or layoff notice or a reduction in hours due to COVID-19.

Residents will apply through an online portal, which is being developed and set to launch June 1. Applications would be limited to 1,000 per week.

Applicants would get a confirmation and a tracking number from Orange County Community and Family Services Small businesses in Orange can be eligible for the grants if their taxes are paid up to date, have no code enforcement liens and expect to stay in business through Dec. 31.

Businesses also must demonstrate at least $10,000 in losses related to the pandemic.

The county’s plan initially excluded home-based businesses, but commissioners decided to include them so long as they have three or more employees.

“We had to draw the line somewhere,” deputy county manager Randy Singh said.

Orange expects to hire about 40 new staffers to process applications.

Petersen outlined the county’s proposed spending plan Tuesday for Orange County commissioners.

The county has already spent $10.2 million, mostly to acquire and distribute face masks, sterile gloves, hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment.

Petersen said the county also would share $24.3 million with its 13 cities and its seven constitutional offices.

Any leftover money has to be returned to the federal government.