Spartanburg County, SC

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds

2021 Report
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Spartanburg County, SC

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

General Overview......................................................................................................................2

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................2

Uses of Funds .........................................................................................................................2

Promoting Equitable Outcomes ...............................................................................................4

Community Engagement .........................................................................................................5

Labor Practices .......................................................................................................................5

Use of Evidence ......................................................................................................................5

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category...........................................................................5

Project Inventory.......................................................................................................................8

Performance Report..................................................................................................................8
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Executive Summary

Spartanburg County and its nearly 330,000 residents have experienced a myriad of impacts derived from 

COVID-19. While we have been fortunate to have weathered many of the pandemic’s negative 

ramifications, many local challenges remain. County Council has begun discussing a variety of strategies 

for deployment of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). It is our hope that these strategies will 

enhance our ability to shield our community from the negative health impacts of COVID-19, mitigate the 

negative economic hardships felt by many families throughout the County and restore economic stability, 

and better position all members of our community for health and prosperity. 

County Council has not yet formally adopted or authorized any plans for the disbursement and use of 

SLFRF proceeds; however, we have been actively engaged in researching and formulating strategies, 

receiving proposals, discussing partnerships with other community organizations, and evaluating 

community metrics where data indicates improvement is needed. As part of these efforts, we have heard 

from many in the community, solicited meetings, and participated in robust discussion of our community’s 

needs. 

Through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) 1 & 2, the County has been awarded more than 

$12.0 million to date. The County, in partnership with four community based non-profit partners,

deployed nearly $2,228,432 in actual payments through August 18th, 2021, assisting 576 households. Just 

more than half (52%) of those funds were deployed in the unincorporated areas of the County, while the 

remaining funds were deployed within our 14 municipalities. While the County continues to aggressively 

deploy funds and seek new ways to effectively do so, a strong level of funding remains. As a result, SLRFR 

resources will be retained for other eligible uses so long as ERAP funding remains available to support 

rental and utility needs of our community. 

It is expected that County Council will more formally engage in debate of which programs and initiatives 

will be funded with SLRFR resources in the coming few months and begin the process of legally 

appropriating funds for use. While Council retains the authority to decide how and to whom funding is 

allocated, it is probable that their focus will center on: methods to protect our residents from the negative 

health impacts of COVID, small business economic and technical support, broadband “last mile” projects, 

wastewater and storm water collection and conveyance projects, support to non-profits, and education 

and job training assistance to upskill and connect residents with job opportunities. 

Uses of Funds

Public Health Response

Given the ongoing health impacts of the pandemic and the rates of local infection and vaccination, it is 

anticipated the funding will be needed for promotion of testing and vaccination availability, and for 

purchase of PPE for medical response. As of the date of this report, SCDHEC reports that just over 126,000 

residents have received at least 1 dose of the vaccine out of approximately 261,000 who are eligible (ages 

12+). This equates to a vaccination rate of just over 48%. Due to the Delta variant, new cases continue 
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

to climb daily, and local medical resources are experiencing a notable increase in cases requiring 

hospitalization. Consequently, it is possible that Council may choose to allocate funds to improve public 

communications about the need for testing, dangers of COVID-19, and the availability of vaccines for those 

who have not yet chosen to receive them. It is anticipated that messaging will be done in concert with 

existing efforts and in consultation with local health experts.

Small business support

The County has been engaged in conversations with OneSpartanburg, Inc. (who houses traditional 

Chamber of Commerce functions, tourism promotion, and economic development efforts) about new 

programs that can support small businesses. Small businesses are a vital piece of our local economy and 

existing job base, and, if healthy, they are an engine for new job creation. As a group, small businesses 

have been disproportionately impacted throughout the pandemic. Early discussions have centered 

around the need for improving small business’ access to technical assistance and expertise as well as 

access to capital. In response to this, two predominant concepts have been developed: a small business 

technical assistance program and a small business revolving loan/grant fund. While many details are still 

being vetted, it is our belief that a local program of this nature will provide small businesses with the tools 

and access to expertise they need, enhance their level of sophistication and business acumen, improve 

their financial resiliency, and best position them for access to capital and future success. 

Utilizing CDBG-CV funding, the County has partnered with Community Works SC to launch Back the Burg

Small Business Assistance Program. The program provides grants and loans to small businesses in 

unincorporated Spartanburg County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the 

program has provided $45,500 in funding assistance to 35 businesses. The program also provides technical 

assistance to help business owners access other funding opportunities as well as technical assistance with

developing new business plans in an effort to help stabilize businesses in a post-COVID economy. 

In Spartanburg County, women and minority business ownership is disproportionately lower than other 

demographics. While there are pre-existing community efforts focusing on improving these metrics, to 

include grant programs funded by CDBG CV resources, these new programs will also serve to bolster these 

community efforts. An inventory of existing minority and women owned small businesses is currently 

being conducted in the community. Strategies to reach these businesses, improve engagement, and 

support them through new programs will be integral to our efforts. 

Broadband “last mile” projects

The County has been engaged to date with 2 local service providers to review broadband maps and 

proposals for expanding fiber service to areas where broadband is not currently available/committed or 

where speeds are lower than 25/3. Initial data shows that these unserved/underserved areas also 

correspond with our areas of lowest residential density and where poverty rates are elevated. Specific 

plans for broadband infill are not yet available but are in progress. 

Wastewater and storm water collection & conveyance projects

The County has been engaged with sewer and water providers within the County to review and vet project 

proposals. While no funding decisions have been made, multiple projects have been submitted and are 

being considered. As part of the decision-making process, the County will consider the number of 
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

individuals served, the potential for positive economic impact through job creation or otherwise, the 

proximity of impaired waters on the 303d list, cost, funding alternatives, and community benefit. 

Support to non-profits

The County is blessed to have a robust network of effective non-profits that serve to support the 

community in areas where there are service gaps. Many non-profits have experienced hardships 

throughout the pandemic as revenues suddenly declined and demand for services drastically increased. 

Despite having solid balance sheets before the pandemic, this has resulted in operating losses and 

financial pressures of late. The County is evaluating to what extent financial support is appropriate given 

these dynamics and ongoing demands placed upon non-profit partners. 

Education and job training assistance

While unemployment rates in Spartanburg County have strongly improved since the highs of 2020, many 

of our residents remain unemployed, underemployed, or otherwise displaced from their primary 

occupation. As is the case in much of the nation, Spartanburg County’s unemployment has been 

concentrated on service and hospitality industry jobs. Juxtaposed with this is a shortage of available 

skilled workforce for many industries within the County. In order to remedy this disconnect, additional 

job training and educational assistance programs will be needed. 

The County is in discussions with the Spartanburg Community College on ways to bridge this divide and 

improve educational attainment metrics in the County at the same time. In 2019, only 25% of Spartanburg 

County residents had a 4-year degree or better. This is lower than the State of South Carolina (28%) and 

the Nation (32%). While program details have not yet been defined, it is evident from the data that ample 

opportunity exists to help positively influence educational attainment in the County. 

Revenue Replacement

The County anticipates a small amount of funding for the provision of governmental services to the extent 

of the reduction in revenue related to the pandemic. Specific plans for this funding have not yet been 

determined but will likely support infrastructure projects.

Promoting equitable outcomes 

Spartanburg County is blessed to have a solid foundation of information about many indicators within our 

community. As a founding member of the Community Indicators Project

(https://www.strategicspartanburg.org/ ), the County has participated for years, with time and financial 

resources, in gathering information on the health, status and disparities of our County. Additionally, a 

number of other community wide efforts surrounding educational outcomes, health outcomes, poverty, 

and race have been conducted on a countywide basis by community partners. Combined, this basis of 

information provides a strong foundation of information about our community so that funded programs 

can be tailored to target the areas of greatest need. Information on performance on key indicators will 

be gathered as part of funded projects. 
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

Community Engagement

Spartanburg County has been engaged with multiple community partners to date in order to better assess 

the needs of the community and help provide vital context to the decision-making process. Information 

on the health of non-profits in Spartanburg County was shared with County Council at their July 2021 

meeting by a group of non-profit representatives. Additionally, multiple community-based organizations 

have submitted proposals for funding consideration outlining their perspectives on the needs of the 

community. 

In partnership with OneSpartanburg, Inc., information on the needs of small businesses is being gathered 

via survey to include the known list of minority-owned small businesses in the County. This information 

will be utilized to help develop the program around small business support. It is also anticipated that the 

County will receive community feedback via its public comment component of its Council meetings where 

the plans for SLFRF resources will be discussed. Additionally, established community engagement groups 

and tools utilized by our Community Development department will be engaged to ensure representative 

participation of the community. 

Labor Practices 

To date, no projects have been decided upon or committed to by the County. It is anticipated that any 

funded projects will increase employment for local skilled and unskilled construction workers and local 

construction firms. In the selection of vendors for funded projects, consideration for local participation

will be given. It is our expectation that any funded water, sewer or broadband infrastructure projects will 

be of high quality, and preferably scalable, so as to provide for the future needs of our residents. 

Use of Evidence

As part of our evaluation of individual projects and proposals, the County is and will continue to gather 

evidence around the prior performance of known similar programs or strategies. If evidence of prior 

strategies is not known, the County will work to ensure standards and data gathering is integral to the 

project to properly evaluate its effectiveness. 

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category

Category Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health 0 0

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
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

Category Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

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 COVID-19 

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 COVID19

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

0 0

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

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

0 0

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
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

Category Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

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 0 0

4.1 Public Sector Employees 0 0

4.2 Private Sector: Grants to other employers 0 0

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure 0 0

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: Stormwater 0 0

5.7 Clean Water: Energy Conservation 0 0

5.8 Clean Water: Water Conservation 0 0

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
Spartanburg County, SC 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

Category Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue Replacement 0 0

6.1 Provision of Government Services 0 0

7 Administrative and Other 0 0

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 Nonentitlement Units 

(States and Territories only)

0 0

PROJECT INVENTORY

No projects have been funded or committed to by Spartanburg County at this time. Prior to funding 

finalization, project scopes, timelines, target audiences, demographics, and performance measures will 

be established for future reporting purposes. 

PERFORMANCE REPORT

No projects have been funded or committed to by Spartanburg County at this time. Any funded projects 

will include benchmarks and performance metrics as conditions of approval. These metrics will serve to 

both communicate expectations for community impact and benefit and to provide valuable information 

about the actual impact received from various projects. This information will allow the County to revise 

plans accordingly to ensure the funding is having the desired impact on the community.