HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 18355-11-2008Ordinance No. 18355-11-2008
AN ORDINANCE INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND
APPROPRIATIONS IN THE SPECIAL TRUST FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF
$45,000.00 FOR FUNDS COLLECTED BY THE WATER DEPARTMENT AS
DONATIONS FOR THE WATER/GARBAGE FEE ASSISTANCE AND PLUMBING
REPAIR PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; MAKING
THIS ORDINANCE CUMULATIVE OF PRIOR ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
TEXAS:
SECTION 1
That in addition to those amounts allocated to the various City departments for Fiscal Year 2008-
2009 in the Budget of the City Manager, there shall also be increased estimated receipts and
appropriations in the Special Trust Fund in the amount of $45,000.00 for funds collected by the
Water Department as donations for the Water/Garbage Fee Assistance and Plumbing Repair
Program.
SECTION 2.
That should any portion, section or part of a section of this ordinance be declared invalid,
inoperative or void far any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision, opinion or
judgment shall in no way impair the remaining portions, sections, or parts of sections of this
ordinance, which said remaining provisions shall be and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3.
That this ordinance shall be cumulative of Ordinance No. 18283 and all other ordinances and
appropriations amending the same except in those instances where the provisions of this ordinance
are in direct conflict with such other ordinances and appropriations, in which instance said
conflicting provisions of said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed.
SECTION 4.
This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption.
PPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Assistant y Attorney
ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: November 11 2008
Ciao ®f ® ®e~h, 1"exas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on 11/11/2008 -Ord. No. 18355-11-2008
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
LOG NAME: 60UTILASSIST
REFERENCE NO.: ~'*G-16349
SUBJECT:
Authorize an Increase in Estimated Receipts and Appropriations in the Special Trust Fund
by $45,000.00 for Donations to the Water/Garbage Fee Assistance and Plumbing Repair Program
and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to authorize an increase in estimated
receipts and appropriations in the Special Trust Fund by $45,000.00 for funds collected by the
Water Department as donations to the Water/Garbage Fee Assistance and Plumbing Repair Program and
Adopt Appropriation Ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
On January 18, 2005, (M&C G-14656) the City Council established aWater/Garbage Fee Assistance and
Plumbing Repair Program to assist low-income families, with an emphasis on the elderly and disabled, to
prevent interruption of their water service and to assist with special plumbing needs.
The Water Department established a program utilizing the monthly billing statement to collect
donations. Three donation options were offered, which included, 1) recurring monthly donation, 2) a one
time pledge, or 3) a random amount that could be noted on their monthly billing statement. Donations are
collected by the Water Department and transferred monthly to a Special Trust Fund for periodic allocation to
the Parks and Community Services Department.
The Parks and Community Services Department will administer the Water/Garbage Fee Assistance and
Plumbing Repair Program. Currently, Parks and Community Services provides social services, such as
food, shelter, utilities, clothing, transportation and childcare assistance to low-income individuals and
families, from seven Community Action Partnership (CAP) locations throughout Fort Worth. CAP receives
frequent requests for assistance with water bills and plumbing emergencies; however, resources to address
these needs are limited and sporadic. The implementation of the Water/Garbage Fee and Plumbing Repair
Program is for residents of Fort Worth whose income meets U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) guidelines. These households will be prioritized based on the following financial
constraints:
1. Elderly;
2. Disabled;
3. Families with unemployed heads of households; and
4. Families with limited income and resources.
The program has two components:
1. Water/Garbage Fee Assistance Component -Households confronted with extraordinary events or
situations that have or will deplete their financial resources and constitutes a threat to the health or well
Logname: 60UTILASSIST Page 1 of 2
being of family members. A maximum of $400.00 will be expended on each household assisted.
2. Plumbing Assistance Component -Households experiencing a plumbing problem that is causing a
water-related crisis. A maximum of $3,000.00 will be allowed for each qualified household. Repairs that
exceed the maximum will be leveraged with the Housing Department's Emergency Repair Program.
On August 9, 2007, (M&C G-15818) authorized an initial transfer of $25,274.76 for use in the
Water/Garbage Fee Assistance and Plumbing Repair Program.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations,
and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating
budget, as appropriated, of the Special Trust Fund.
TO Fund/Account/Centers FROM Fund/Account/Centers
FE72 488022 080502900000 $45.000.00 FE72 488022 080502900000 $45,000.00
FE72 539120 080502900000 $45,000.00
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Fernando Costa (8476)
Originating Department Head: S. Frank Crumb (8207)
Additional Information Contact: Fran Peterson (8260)
Logname: 60UTILASSIST Page 2 of 2