Title
a. Approve increased appropriations of $900,000 and revenues of $825,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriation Unit SOC001 for Entitlement Programs; and
b. Approve decreased appropriations in the amount of $75,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriations Unit SOC002 for General Assistance; and
c. Approve increased appropriations and revenues in the amount of $30,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriation Unit SOC003 for Military & Veterans Affairs Office; and
d. Authorize the Auditor Controller's Office to incorporate approved modifications in the FY 2013-14 Budget. (4/5th vote required)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve increased appropriations of $900,000 and revenues of $825,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriation Unit SOC001 for Entitlement Programs; and
b. Approve decreased appropriations in the amount of $75,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriations Unit SOC002 for General Assistance; and
c. Approve increased appropriations and revenues in the amount of $30,000 in the Department of Social Services (DSS) Appropriation Unit SOC003 for Military & Veterans Affairs Office; and
d. Authorize the Auditor Controller's Office to incorporate approved modifications in the FY 2013-14 Budget. (4/5th vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) shared an earlier indicator through the Mid-Year Estimates that several budget units would exceed the budgeted appropriations. In preparation for the FY 2013-14 Year-End Close, Social Services is requesting an increase in appropriations of $900,000 and revenues of $825,000 for Appropriation Unit SOC001 with savings in the amount of $825,000 for Entitlement Programs and $30,000 for SOC003 for Military and Veterans Affairs with sufficient corresponding revenues and savings to offset the increase in appropriations for both appropriation units so that there will be no additional impact to the County General Fund.
Appropriation Unit SOC001 is comprised of three entitlement programs/budget units: CalWORKs, In-Home Supportive Services, and Out of Home Care. CalWORKs received a 5% COLA increase and as a result, $750,000 in additional appropriations are needed with an offset in revenues from Federal, State and sales tax realignment with no impact to the County General Fund. SB 85 increased the CalWORKs share of sales tax realignment revenue to fund the CalWORKs grant increases. As of April 2014, there are 6,480 CalWORKs Cases.
Out of Home Care received a 2.56% COLA increase to monthly foster care rates for group homes, foster homes, foster family agencies, and Adoptive Assistance Program which requires $150,000 in additional appropriations with an offset in revenues from Federal IV-E of $75,000 and savings in General assistance payments of $75,000 from Appropriations Unit SOC002 so that there will be no additional impact to the County General Fund. As of April 2014, DSS has 418 children in foster care and 672 clients receiving adoption assistance payments.
Military and Veterans' Affairs Office, Appropriation Unit SOC003, needs an additional $30,000 in appropriations and revenues as a result to an office space remodel that will provide better access to the community in Monterey County and to provide space to facilitate the move of the Monterey County Grand Jury to a better location. The revenues to offset the increase in appropriations are funded by Social Services through the Adult Services Community Services Block Grant.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Budget Committee will receive this report on May 28, 2014
FINANCING:
The increase in appropriations for the entitlement programs will be funded by Federal, State, sales tax realignment funds, and County General Fund savings from the General assistance Program. The increase for Military and Veteran Affairs will be funded by Social Services through the Adult Services Community Services Block Grant. Approval of this action has no additional impact on the County General Fund.
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Finance Manager II, x4404
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director of Social Services, x4434