Politics & Government

How Will the Federal Budget Sequester Affect Lakewood?

City receives a variety of federal funds — from community development block grants to Federal Emergency Management Agency dollars.

The possible Congressional sequester in Washington, DC, could halt all federal funding all over the United States.

That includes Lakewood. 

For starters, Cuyahoga County could lose at least some of its more than 12,000 federal employees, even if only temporarily.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Lakewood receives a variety of federal funds — from community development block grants to Federal Emergency Management Agency dollars.

Jenn Pae, the city’s finance director, said there are still many unanswered questions.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We can't say for sure at this point regarding Federal Programs like CDBG or FEMA,” she said. “If they change tax exempt debt then the city may be impacted.”

Keith Schuster, the city’s assistant finance director, said in an email that city is still waiting for more information.  

“No information has been received that would indicated we will not receive or be delayed in reimbursements from CDBG,” he said.  “Honestly, other than FEMA reimbursement that we are currently working on. I do not see any chance of a delay or any major (financial impact) that the sequester would have on us.” 

Click here to see a breakdown of federal employees in Cuyahoga County who could be affected by the sequester.


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