Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. A-15050 with United Way of Monterey County for providing one-time cash stipends to individuals with a positive COVID-19 test (Stipend Pilot), adding $220,000 to for the provision of stipends in the months of February and March 2022, increasing the total liability of the Agreement from $1,230,890 to $1,450,890 without change to the Agreement term of December 1, 2020 through April 30, 2022.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. A-15050 with United Way of Monterey County for providing one-time cash stipends to individuals with a positive COVID-19 test (Stipend Pilot), adding $220,000 to for the provision of stipends in the months of February and March 2022, increasing the total liability of the Agreement from $1,230,890 to $1,450,890 without change to the Agreement term of December 1, 2020 through April 30, 2022.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On August 18, 2020, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved the County’s CARES Spending Plan. In that plan, the Health Department requested funds to expand the Great Plates Program to individuals in our County needing to self-isolate. After further review, it was determined the County could better support these individuals by providing a cash stipend to encourage individuals to stay home and self-isolate, as many of our residents are not eligible for income replacement benefits if they were to become sick. On October 6, 2020, the Board of Supervisors received an update on CARES spending which showed an increase to the Health Department’s spending plan of $1.9 million and a corresponding reduction in the Department of Social Services’ spending plan.
The Monterey County Health Department implemented a Stipend Pilot Program (Program) for individuals with COVID-19 on December 1, 2020, providing a one-time $1,000 cash card stipend to adult residents (18 years of age and older) with a COVID-19 positive test result who are not eligible for income replacement, to encourage them to self-isolate for the 10-day self-isolation period or as directed by their medical/health provider. As the County’s CARES funds allocation was fully spent by December 30, 2020, before the first cash stipend was issued, the Program was subsequently funded with ARPA funds allocated directly to the County.
In an effort to positively impact the County’s case rate, positivity rate, and equity metric, the priority has been to serve individuals in census tracts of the lowest quartile of the Healthy Places Index, areas with higher COVID-19 positivity rates than the countywide average. These areas include Salinas, our south county cities, several unincorporated areas, and pockets of Seaside and Marina. To implement the Program the Health Department partnered with United Way of Monterey County, Department of Social Services, and community health centers located in areas of interest, designated staff (Program Coordinators) at these locations submit a referral to United Way of Monterey County on behalf of individuals who test positive for COVID-19. Individuals qualify for the Program based on meeting specific eligibility criteria, including their ZIP Code of residence, being early in their 10-day self-isolation period, and not be in receipt of unemployment insurance benefits or paid sick leave or other government assistance when the results are received.
At the launch of the State’s Home for the Harvest program in May 2021, the County’s Stipend Pilot Program was aligned and administered by the Department of Social Services to avoid duplication of efforts and assure those in need would be supported by the most appropriate Program. The Program provided 1,191 stipends from inception through January 25th, 2022. The Program was suspended on January 25th, 2022 pending approval from the Board of Supervisors for continued funding to add to the Agreement with United Way Monterey County. That approval was received on February 8th, 2022 with direction to restart the Program on February 9th, 2022 and have a monthly cap of $110,000 utilizing available Department of Social Services ARPA funds. This amendment adds $220,000 to the current Agreement for a total to not exceed the sum of $1,450,890. As directed, staff will return to the Board of Supervisors at the beginning of April 2022 to provide an update on the implementation of the Stipend Pilot and to see further direction.
This work supports the Monterey County Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiatives: 1. Empower the community to improve health; and 2. Enhance community health and safety through prevention. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically; 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems; and 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form, and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded by ARPA funds allocations previously approved by the Board of Supervisors for management of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are sufficient appropriations included in the Health Department’s (HEA014-8438) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22, Adopted Budget to cover amount of $220,000 proposed in Amendment No. 5 to Agreement with the United Way of Monterey County.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability, and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Krista Hanni, Program Manager II, x4586
Approved by:
_____________________________Date:___________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Amendment No 5
Amendment No 4
Amendment No 3
Amendment No 2
Amendment No 1
Agreement