Title
Support approval of a resolution authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to:
a. Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations and revenues (operating transfer in) by $8,247,000 for CalWORKs, Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC001, Budget Unit 8252 for FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget due to increased caseload expenses; (4/5ths Vote); and
b. Amend the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations (operating transfer out) and revenues by $8,247,000 for Social Services 1991 Health & Welfare Realignment, Fund 025, Appropriation Unit SOC012 FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee support approval of a resolution authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to:
a. Amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations and revenues (operating transfer in) by $8,247,000 for CalWORKs, Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC001, Budget Unit 8252 for FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget due to increased caseload expenses; (4/5ths Vote); and
b. Amend the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations (operating transfer out) and revenues by $8,247,000 for Social Services 1991 Health & Welfare Realignment, Fund 025, Appropriation Unit SOC012 FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations for the CalWORKs Entitlement Program and 1991 Realignment Fund due to the increase in caseload costs for the FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget.
CalWORKs (CW) year to date average caseload increased 19.12% (566 cases) over last fiscal year which represents an overall increase cost of 20.99%. CalWORKs issues approximately $3.7 million monthly. The CalWORKs caseload trend typically increases in the winter months, however more cases have been determined eligible this year due to an increase to the income limits of the program as well as COLA increases which typically occur in October.
The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations and revenues (as an operating transfer in) within the CalWORKs Budget. And a corresponding increase of appropriations (as an operating transfer out) and revenues in the Social Services 1991 Health & Welfare Realignment Fund is also required as this is the mechanism of how Social Services receives CalWORKs revenue for the caseload costs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office - Budget Office concurs with these actions.
FINANCING:
The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations and revenues (as an operating transfer in) for the CalWORKs Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC001-8252 of $8,247,000 due to an increase in the CalWORKs caseload costs. In addition, a corresponding increase in appropriations and revenues (operating transfer out) of $8,247,000 for the Social Services 1991 Health & Welfare Realignment, Fund 025, Appropriation Unit SOC012 FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget
Approval of these recommendations does not change the Department’s General Fund Contributions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action correlates to the Administration and Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by allowing the Department to appropriate sufficient funds for entitlement costs in the CalWORKs Program which provides benefits for residents of the County.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X_Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Finance Manager III, x 4404
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director x4430