04-07-2020 Emergency Social Services FundingResolution authorizing up to $300,000.00 for emergency social services funding including the immediate use of $88,500.00
City Council
April 7, 2020
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Policy Question
Should City Council adopt the proposed resolution?
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COVID-19 Pandemic
Threat to life, health, and economy.
State, City, and National declarations of emergency
Stay at Home order and other measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have halted schools, businesses, social lives, and livelihoods.
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Impacts on Residents - Financial
Financial: loss or reduction in income
May result in inability to meet basic needs such as housing and food
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Impacts on Residents - Homelessness
Impact on people experiencing homelessness
Often have serious or complex health issues
Inability to self-isolate or practice social distancing
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Impacts on Residents – Mental Health
COVID-19 may increase stress and anxiety.
May include worries over health, job and income security, and more.
The Stay Home order also reduces access to regular social supports while increasing isolation
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Emergency Social Services Funding
$300,000 is being requested from the general fund, from the 2019 excess Fund Balance.
The focus would be on the immediate crisis and shorter-term responses rather than longer term responses to aid in recovery
Funds focus on housing, food, homeless services, and mental health services and eligible services should:
Provide support to help people meet basic needs
Help people maintain independence, build resiliency, and strengthen their ability to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Funding: Financial Impacts
The $300,000 was not included in the budget.
The City anticipates revenue shortfall and higher expenditures.
It will preclude the use of these funds for other items.
Staff will, to the extent possible and allowable per regulations, access CDBG funds for reimbursement. A few notes:
Language is included to this effect in the resolution.
This may not be feasible in any or all cases.
Food banks are difficult to fund with CDBG due to income verification requirements.
Any use of CDBG funds will need to follow a public process and City Council approval.
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Initial Allocation of $88,500
*Not funded with the emergency social services funding, though it may be reimbursed with CDBG should funding be available and the activity is eligible.
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Balance of the Funds: $211,500.00
Only a portion is initially allocated. Remainder will address and respond in light of the following:
New funding sources are becoming available on an ongoing basis. The City will want to ensure its limited resources are being used in a fiscally responsible manner and focus on unfunded
services addressing critical needs.
Allows flexibility to adapt to changes within scope of Mayor's authority and Council parameters
When time permits or the cost exceeds $20,000, all allocations will come to City Council for consideration.
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Questions?
Resolution on Emergency Social Services Funding
April 7, 2020
Staff Contacts:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
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