Chatham County, 

Georgia

Recovery Plan Performance Report

American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal 

Recovery Funds August 31, 2021
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Chatham County, Georgia

Recovery Plan Performance Report

American Rescue Plan Act -

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal 

Recovery Funds

Annual Report #1

Period Covered: May 11, 2021 – July 31, 2021

Due date: August 31, 2021
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

Chatham County, Georgia

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

GENERAL OVERVIEW........................................................................................... 3

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 3

Uses of Funds .............................................................................................................................. 6

Promoting Equitable Outcomes.................................................................................................. 8

Community Engagement ...........................................................................................................10

Labor Practices........................................................................................................................... 11

Use of Evidence .......................................................................................................................... 11

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category..............................................................................12

PROJECT INVENTORY ......................................................................................... 14

PERFORMANCE REPORT..................................................................................... 14

List of Figures

Figure 1 - Chatham County Map..................................................................................................... 3

Figure 2 - Population by Race......................................................................................................... 4

Figure 3 - Population by Ethnicity.................................................................................................. 4

Figure 4 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Allocation................................... 5

Figure 5 - Proposed Budget by Category (First Tranche)............................................................... 6

Figure 6 - Revenue Loss Calculation Worksheet.............................................................................7

Figure 7 - Total Households Assisted by AMI since ERAP was Launched..................................... 8

Figure 8 - Qualified Census Tracts in Chatham County................................................................. 9

Figure 9 - Community Priorities....................................................................................................10
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Executive Summary 

Chatham County is nestled on the Georgia coast along the Savannah River, which borders South 

Carolina. Its geographical location provides unique access to two major interstates, major rail 

lines, and shipping ports (see Figure 1). With a population of 291,2281 people (see Figure 2 and 

Figure 3), Chatham County is the fifth largest county in Georgia and has a median age of 36.8 and 

a median household income of $56,842 (Claritus, 2021). The City of Savannah is the County’s 

largest municipality.

Figure 1 - Chatham County Map

 

1 https://www.coastalgindicators.org/ - The updated 2020 Census data is expected to be released in September 2021. 
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

Figure 2 - Population by Race

Figure 3 - Population by Ethnicity
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

Since receiving the American Rescue Plan Act – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Fund (CSLFRF) allocation in May 2021 (see Figure 4), Chatham County elected officials and staff 

have done much research and fact gathering on appropriate and allowable uses for long-term 

community-wide impact. Finance staff calculated the revenue loss formula while Strategic 

Planning worked with various units of government and local stakeholders to gather citizen input. 

Chatham County has reviewed qualitative and quantitative data to determine the best use of the 

local recovery funds to respond to the pandemic and promote an equitable economic recovery. 

Our Elected Officials have expressed interest in longstanding infrastructure projects including

water and sewer projects as well as broadband. Chatham County will also explore how best to 

support small businesses that are trying to rebound during the economic downturn impacted by

the lack of staff and facility layout changes that reduced the capacity to serve people. We will 

investigate ways to ensure local community-based non-profit organizations who have worked 

tirelessly to support individuals and families (providing food, shelter, vaccines and more) can 

continue meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations. Chatham leaders are interested 

in expanding and enhancing our support system at the intersection of public safety and behavioral 

health. Strategies are being explored to address the judicial caseload backlog by providing more 

staff, expanding space for jury trials, and the use of innovative technology. Finally, Chatham 

County wants to ensure that our community is more prepared to respond to all types of public 

health emergencies and build resiliency among our residents and the essential workforce. 

Figure 4 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Allocation
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

Uses of Funds

In August 2021, Chatham County will host workshops to inform and educate the Board of 

Commissioners, Constitutional Officers, and critical staff on the allowable uses of the American 

Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Following the workshop, all county departments will be ask to 

submit requests for projects and initiatives aligning with the Chatham Community Blueprint, the 

Board priorities and alignment with ARPA allowable use of funds. External agencies will also 

follow a similar process.

Leadership staff will review and rank projects based on specific needs in our community and 

ensuring programmatic outcomes are clearly stated with performance measures. 

Recommendations will then be shared with the Board for final consideration. Based on initial 

conversations and preliminary view of community indicators, the staff will recommend projects

and associated budgets as shown in Figure 5. It is understood that all projects must meet the 

guidelines and align within one of the Eligible Expenditure Categories as provided by U.S. 

Treasury (see Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category section) however, nothing has been 

obligated or expended as of July 31, 2021. Upon approval of the projects, intergovernmental 

agreements and or memorandums of understanding will be executed defining roles, financial 

commitment, project timeline, performance measures and reporting expectations. 

Figure 5 - Proposed Budget by Category (First Tranche)

Chatham County has identified revenue replacement using calculation tools provided by GA 

Department of Community Affairs, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and Georgia Finance

Officers Associations (See Figure 6). 

As per instructed on the Interim Final Rule adopted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on

May 10, 2021, the revenue loss should be calculated as of four points in time: December 31, 2020; 

December 31, 2021; December 31, 2022; and December 31, 2023, following a four-step process

below:
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

1) The revenue in the last full fiscal year prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency, which is

called the base year revenue (FY2019). 

2) Then, for purposes of measuring revenue growth in the counterfactual trend, the “growth 

adjustment” is the greater of 4.1 percent2 or the average annual revenue growth over the three 

full fiscal years prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency (FY2017, FY2018, and FY2019).

3) Identify actual revenue collected over the past 12-month period ending December 31, 2020.

4) The extent of the reduction in revenue is equal to “counterfactual revenue” less actual revenue. 

Total amount calculated for calendar year 2020 is $17,422,179.51.

All formulas were reviewed by our external auditors and confirmed to be accurate.

Figure 6 - Revenue Loss Calculation Worksheet

Chatham County was one of the first counties in Georgia to launch the Emergency Rental 

Assistance Program (ERA) in February 2021. Recognizing the need across our community for 

relief in rental and utility support Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) were created with 

community-based non-profit organizations who already have efficient systems in place for the 

distribution of funds and tracking of clients to ensure equitable and fair practices are followed for 

the most in-need in our community. As of July 31, 2021 Chatham County expended $2,233,777 

 

2

Interim Final Rule pages 57-58: The option of 4.1 percent represents the average annual growth across all State and Local 

government “General Revenue from Own Sources” in the most recent three years of available data.
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

assisting 974 households (see Figure 7). We continue to work with Magistrate Court, local

property owners, utility providers, and tenants to accept applications. For more information 

about the Chatham County Emergency Rental Assistance Program please visit Chatham County, 

Georgia | Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) (chathamcountyga.gov)

Figure 7 - Total Households Assisted by AMI3 since ERAP was Launched

Promoting Equitable Outcomes 

Chatham County has a population of 291,2284 per current Census data with median household 

income of $56,842 (Claritus, 2021). According to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey, 

15.1% of Chatham County residents are living below the federal poverty level. Chatham County 

has a violent crime rate of 679.8 crimes per 100,000 population, compared to a US crime rate of 

386.5 crimes per 100,000 population (County Health Rankings, 2014-2016). In 2018, 80.2% of 

Chatham County residents aged 18-64 had some type of health insurance coverage (US Census 

Bureau, 2018). Per the 2021 IRS Section 42(d)(5)(B), Chatham County has 24 Qualified Census 

Tracts (see Figure 8). 

 

3 The FY2020 median family incomes for Savannah, Ga metropolitan services area is estimated at $71,987, rounded to the nearest 

$100: meaning that we will use $72,000 as the Area Median Income (AMI). The 30% of AMI = $21,600, the 50% of AMI = $36,000, 

and the 80% of AMI = $57,600.

4 https://www.coastalgindicators.org/ - The updated 2020 Census data is expected to be released in September 2021.
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

Figure 8 - Qualified Census Tracts in Chatham County
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

Chatham County supports the efforts of the Healthy Savannah and the REACH initiative funded 

by CDC to promote Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. Chatham County is 

affiliated with the Savannah REAL (Racial Equity and Leadership) Task Force within the City of 

Savannah. We have been actively engaged in systems change endeavor to alter the narrative of 

deep-rooted racial inequities in our community. Chatham County pledges to promote equitable 

outcomes in all services and programming. As initiatives and projects are considered, 

demographic data and social determinant indicators will be taken into consideration with focus 

on the qualified census tracts. 

Community Engagement 

Chatham County is one of the three initial funders of the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition. 

The Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) is comprised of community members and 

advocates working together through a comprehensive, coordinated approach for planning and 

accountability and serves as a resource for agencies addressing overall health and well-being while 

leveraging resources for community initiatives. The purpose of CGIC is to improve community 

well-being by engaging and leading the community to work collectively (community 

stakeholders – providers and recipients of service, funders, elected officials) in its development 

of strategic priorities that guide policy, programs and resource allocation. Over the past few years 

there has been growing awareness of the need to integrate community indicators and performance 

measurement efforts at the community level to better assess the position and progress of our 

community’s well-being and to better engage citizens and other key stakeholders in the 

development and use of community indicators and performance measures by governmental and 

non-profit organizations. Chatham County will continue our relationship with CGIC and plan to

expand the contract to host community forums in each of the eight County districts this fall to 

affirm community priorities and gather input on service delivery strategies (see Figure 9). 

Learn more about the Community Engagement at Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition 

(coastalgaindicators.org) and learn more about Chatham County efforts specific to ARPA at

Chatham County, Georgia | American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (chathamcountyga.gov)

Figure 9 - Community Priorities
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

Labor Practices 

Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and has an equal opportunity

procurement policy. Chatham County Human Resources Department and Purchasing 

Department take pride in utilization of disadvantaged and minority individuals and/or 

business enterprises in carrying out the desired work. Chatham County does not discriminate

against any persons or businesses regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin

or handicap. Chatham County is a Drug-Free Workplace and therefore mandates that 

employees of the County and or its contractors will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, 

sale, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana during the 

performance of the stated job.

Use of Evidence 

As we consider potential projects and programs for funding, Chatham County will implement 

evidence-based models where necessary ensuring pre and post assessments and collection of 

qualitative and quantitative data. Performance measures will be established for each approved 

project with stated goals and objectives – outputs and outcomes. We have a current contract with 

a third party evaluation firm to assist in data analysis, should that be determined necessary based 

on the funding priorities of the Board. 
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

Nothing has been obligated or expended as of July 31, 2021.

Category Cumulative

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination 0 0

1.2 COVID-19 Testing 0 0

1.3 COVID-19 Contact Tracing 0 0

1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing 

Homes, Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, 

Schools, etc.)

0 0

1.5 Personal Protective Equipment 0 0

1.6 Medical Expenses (including Alternative Care 

Facilities)

0 0

1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes 

to Public Facilities that respond to the COVID19 public health emergency

0 0

1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses 

(including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine)

0 0

1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and 

Other Public Sector Staff Responding to 

COVID-19

0 0

1.10 Mental Health Services 0 0

1.11 Substance Use Services 0 0

1.12 Other Public Health Services 0 0

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts

2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs 0 0

2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and 

Utility Aid 

0 0

2.3 Household Assistance: Cash Transfers 0 0

2.4 Household Assistance: Internet Access 

Programs

0 0

2.5 Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention 0 0

2.6 Unemployment Benefits or Cash Assistance to 

Unemployed Workers

0 0

2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral jobtraining, Subsidized Employment, Employment 

Supports or Incentives)

0 0

2.8 Contributions to UI Trust Funds* 0 0

2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General) 0 0

2.10 Aid to nonprofit organizations 0 0

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality 0 0
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

Category Cumulative

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries 0 0

2.13 Other Economic Support 0 0

2.14 Rehiring Public Sector Staff 0 0

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities

3.1 Education Assistance: Early Learning 0 0

3.2 Education Assistance: Aid to High-Poverty 

Districts

0 0

3.3 Education Assistance: Academic Services 0 0

3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, and 

Mental Health Services 

0 0

3.5 Education Assistance: Other 0 0

3.6 Healthy Childhood Environments: Child Care 0 0

3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home 

Visiting 

0 0

3.8 Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to 

Foster Youth or Families Involved in Child 

Welfare System 

0 0

3.9. Healthy Childhood Environments: Other 0 0

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing 0 0

3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused 

persons 

0 0

3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance 0 0

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other 0 0

3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Health Workers or Benefits Navigators 

0 0

3.15 Social Determinants of Health: Lead 

Remediation

0 0

3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Violence Interventions 

0 0

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay

4.1 Public Sector Employees 0 0

4.2 Private Sector: Grants to other employers 0 0

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure

5.1 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater treatment 0 0

5.2 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater collection 

and conveyance

0 0

5.3 Clean Water: Decentralized wastewater 0 0

5.4 Clean Water: Combined sewer overflows 0 0

5.5 Clean Water: Other sewer infrastructure 0 0

5.6 Clean Water: Storm water 0 0

5.7 Clean Water: Energy conservation 0 0

5.8 Clean Water: Water conservation 0 0
Chatham County, Georgia 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14

Category Cumulative

expenditures 

to date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

5.9 Clean Water: Nonpoint source 0 0

5.10 Drinking water: Treatment 0 0

5.11 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution 0 0

5.12 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution: 

lead remediation

0 0

5.13 Drinking water: Source 0 0

5.14 Drinking water: Storage 0 0

5.15 Drinking water: Other water infrastructure 0 0

5.16 Broadband: “Last Mile” projects 0 0

5.17 Broadband: Other projects 0 0

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement

6.1 Provision of Government Services 0 0

7 Administrative and Other

7.1 Administrative Expenses 0 0

7.2 Evaluation and data analysis 0 0

7.3 Transfers to Other Units of Government 0 0

7.4 Transfers to No entitlement Units 

(States and Territories only)

0 0

PROJECT INVENTORY

There were not current, active approved projects in Chatham County as of July 31, 2021. 

PERFORMANCE REPORT

As of July 31, 2021, there were no active projects or performance measures to report for Chatham 

County.