Title
Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to:
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $451,230 for the General Assistance (GA) Program - Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC001 Adopted Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget, financed by an increase in revenues of $451,230 in Social Services Fund 001-SOC005 to cover a shortfall in appropriations due to the increase in GA client benefit costs (4/5ths Vote).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to:
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $451,230 for the General Assistance (GA) Program - Fund 001, Appropriations Unit SOC001 Adopted Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget, financed by an increase in revenues of $451,230 in Social Services Fund 001-SOC005 to cover a shortfall in appropriations due to the increase in GA client benefit costs (4/5ths Vote).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The General Assistance (GA) Program is a county-funded program that provides cash and in-kind assistance to indigent adults who are not eligible for other public assistance programs. The caseload has increased 30% compared to the prior fiscal year.
When the Department submitted their Mid-Year Estimates for FY 2024-25, it was estimated that the shortfall would be $406,417. The Department monitored the expenses and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) reimbursements that offset the costs of the General Assistance Program. The shortfall realized at the end of the fiscal year ended up being $451,230.
The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations for the GA Entitlement Program of $451,230 due to the increase in caseload benefit costs for the FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget, financed by a reduction of Social Services General Fund Contribution (GFC).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Administrator’s Office - Budget Office concurs with these actions.
FINANCING:
The requested FY 2024-25 Budget increase in appropriations of $451,230 in the General Assistance Fund 001-SOC001 is to cover a shortfall in appropriations due to the increase in General Assistance caseload benefit costs. To finance the increase of General Fund Contributions (GFC) in the GA Budget, an increase in the budgeted revenues is requested for $451,230 in the Social Services Fund 001-SOC005 FY 25 Adopted Budget. These prior year revenues were received in FY 24/25 and results in a decrease in GFC.
The recommended actions will not increase the overall Department’s General Fund Contribution, as it merely transfer GFC funds between appropriation units for FY 2024/25.
The Department is reviewing ways to reduce the cost of the GA Program and plans to bring a report to the Budget Committee on recommendations in the next few months.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This action correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiatives adopted by the Board of Supervisors by covering the shortfall of appropriations for the increased entitlement costs 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: Roderick Franks, Director of Social Services x4430
Attachment: Resolution