Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey-Salinas Transit District to allow Aging and Adult Services Branch to continue to distribute taxi vouchers to eligible seniors for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not encompass payments or significantly change the scope of services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign a no cost Memorandum of Understanding with Monterey-Salinas Transit District to allow Aging and Adult Services Branch to continue to distribute taxi vouchers to eligible seniors for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the amendments do not encompass payments or significantly change the scope of services.
SUMMARY:
This agreement allows Department of Social Services (DSS) Aging and Adult Services Branch to distribute taxi vouchers to eligible seniors. Taxi voucher will be provided to DSS by Monterey Salinas Transit District.
DISCUSSION:
To receive the taxi vouchers, seniors may visit the DSS Aging and Adult Services office located at 730 La Guardia Street, Salinas, CA. A senior qualified to receive the vouchers is a resident of Salinas who has provided evidence that they are 65 years of age or older. A qualified senior may contact one of the participating taxicab companies to schedule a ride. By presenting the voucher and paying a $3.00 co-pay, a qualified senior can travel the equivalent of up to a meter reading of $17.00. Only one voucher can be used per one-way trip. Qualified seniors are responsible for costs above the $17.00 meter reading. Taxi sharing is encouraged, with only one taxi voucher required for a shared ride.
This Agreement includes attorney fees if awarded to the prevailing party in a contract dispute.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form.
FINANCING:
Monterey Salinas Transit District provides funding for vouchers through Measure Q. There is no cost to the Department’s Budget or any impact on the County General Fund through this approval.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Agreement correlates to the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by providing transportation solutions to assist seniors with access to employment, health and human services, and increase access to local community service provides.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
__X_Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Prepared by: Erika Estrada, Management Analyst III, x2172
Approved by: Roderick W. Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Memorandum of Understanding
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.