Assurance Services • Published 6/03/2020 Expense Reimbursement Considerations for Louisiana CARES Act Funds

Earlier this week, Louisiana’s Division of Administration began accepting reimbursement applications to administer the first round of the State’s CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds. This first round of funding will cover eligible expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the period March 1 - April 30, 2020.

As you prepare your organization’s reimbursement application, below are a few often-overlooked potentially eligible expenditures to keep in mind:

1. Payroll costs for public safety personnel (such as law enforcement and emergency response)

The Department of the Treasury’s guidance indicates a presumption that public safety employees were substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency during this period, and therefore payroll costs for these employees may be eligible for reimbursement.

2. Paid leave in accordance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Wages paid to government employees under qualified leave as defined by the FFCRA (for paid sick leave or paid family medical leave) may be reimbursable through Louisiana CARES Act Funds with proper documentation.

3. Personnel and equipment for providing temperature screenings at public facilities

Expenditures incurred to facilitate compliance with COVID-19 related public health measures—including expenses for the implementation and execution of temperature screening checkpoints—may be eligible for reimbursement.

4. Consulting services for grant administration and program compliance

Expenses incurred for engaging a consultant to help your organization ensure compliance with CARES Act program guidelines may be reimbursable with proper documentation and adherence to applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements.

 

Detailed application instructions, FAQs, and federal guidance related to Louisiana CARES Act Funds can be found at www.LouisianaCARES.la.gov.

In order to make the most of funding available through Louisiana CARES Act Funds, it is critical for your organization to act quickly and submit your application for the first funding round by June 15, 2020.

If you have questions about the eligibility of certain expenses or need assistance with the reimbursement application process, please contact us. P&N’s experienced professionals are available to help you maximize CARES Act Funds that enable you to provide vital public services, execute meaningful projects, and help our communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19.