Title
Adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget, Social Services - Community Program Budget Unit, Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC004, increasing appropriations and estimated revenues by $602,110 to provide funding to various programs (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget, Social Services - Community Program Budget Unit, Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC004, increasing appropriations and estimated revenues by $602,110 to provide funding to various programs (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues for unspent rolled over funding allocated by the U.S. Treasury and California Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $602,110 for the Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program (MC ERAP).
The Monterey County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MC ERAP) began in March 2021 by state and federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Round 1 block grants. The U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021) and State’s COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act (SB 91) initiated the Emergency Rental Assistance program which expired and fully spent by September 2022. A second round of ERA funding was issued established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act through both the U.S. Treasury and the State of California ERA2, expiring September 30, 2025. The total amount allocated to Monterey County from both rounds of funding is $52,338,369.70.
Monterey County Department of Social Services (DSS) contracted with United Way of Monterey County (UWMC) to administer the program that targets low-income residents who are at risk of becoming homeless by providing financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing, housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed. The remaining funds are focused on housing stability services, including case management and other stabling services intended to keep qualified low-income residents housed. UWMC is working with DSS to bring a full report/presentation to the Board on the outcomes for the Rental Assistance Program.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office - Budget Office concurs with these actions. This item received support from the Budget Committee on March 28, 2024.
FINANCING:
The Department recommends increasing appropriations and revenues of $602,110 for the Social Services - Community Programs Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC004 FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget. This is a combination of state and federal funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program that was not budgeted in this fiscal year. The majority of this funding will be used to provide housing stabilization services. The action has no effect on the existing General Fund Contributions in this appropriation unit.
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 accept additional funding from the state to maintain existing programs and services to the 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
Cc: Resolution
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board