Title
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations for FY 2012-13 in the Department of Social Services General Assistance Budget Unit 8253 (SOC002) by $85,000, financed by a cancellation of $85,000 from the Social Services Assignment (4/5th vote required); and
b. Direct the County Administrative Office to confirm with the Auditor-Controller the amount to cancel from the Social Services Assignment during the closing of the Fiscal Year 2011-12 actual results.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
- Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase appropriations for FY 2012-13 in the Department of Social Services General Assistance Budget Unit 8253 (SOC002) by $85,000, financed by a cancellation of $85,000 from the Social Services Assignment (4/5th vote required); and
- Direct the County Administrative Office to confirm with the Auditor-Controller the amount to cancel from the Social Services Assignment during the closing of the Fiscal Year 2011-12 actual results.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
General Assistance is a county funded program that provides cash and in-kind assistance to extremely low-income residents who are not eligible for other public assistance programs. There are two parts to this aid program: 1) Regular General Assistance payments for indigents who are able-bodied; and 2) Interim Assistance payments which are paid to persons who are applying for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program (SSI/SSP) because of a disability. Adults who are able to work are required to participate in the Work Experience Program that requires work with government or non-profit agencies.
As has been reported throughout the fiscal year to the Board Budget Committee, the severe down-turn in the local economy continues to have a significant and increasing impact on the number of individuals needing cash assistance. The monthly average number of cases July 2011 to March 2012 was 599 and July 2012 to March 2013 was 696 for an increase of 16%. For the same periods, the monthly average amount of aid paid was $109,357 and $123,870 for an increase of 13%. SSI/SSP reimbursements have decreased from a high of $309,944 in FY 2011-12 to a projection of $199,675 for FY 2012-13.
As a result, appropriations for General Assistance payments will be exceeded. Recommended actions will allow the necessary recording of payments in the General Ledger as these expenses are mandated under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17000.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
FINANCING:
General Assistance is a county program without a source of outside funding. The Final FY 2012-13 Adopted Budget has set aside an assignment for costs of entitlements that may exceed appropriations. As the final expenses will not be known until June, it will be necessary to move the designated funds at the end of the fiscal year once final expenses/appropriations have been determined.
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Finance Manager, 4404
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, 4434