Title
a. Ratify authorization for the Department of Social Services submittal of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant application for Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funds to expand the VITA program in Fiscal Year 2014-15 for an amount up to $59,788; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign an agreement with The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) to expand the existing VITA program in Monterey County for the period September 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015 if grant is awarded and it is approved as a standard state form contract by County Counsel.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Ratify authorization for the Department of Social Services submittal of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant application for Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funds to expand the VITA program in Fiscal Year 2014-15 for an amount up to $59,788; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services, or his designee, to sign an agreement with The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) to expand the existing VITA program in Monterey County for the period September 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015 if grant is awarded and it is approved as a standard state form contract by County Counsel.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In 2014 the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program prepared 2,384 tax returns resulting in approximately $3 million coming back to the local economy. Monterey County VITA is planning to expand these services in 2015 if awarded the CSBG grant which will result in a more significant increase in financial resources to the community. The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) is accepting applications for funding to expand existing VITA Programs. The goal is to continue the increase of tax returns prepared for low-income individuals. This funding will also assist in e...
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