HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 24051-02-2020 Ordinance No. 24051-02-2020
AN ORDINANCE INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE
GRANTS OPERATING OTHER FUND, SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF THE GRANT, IN THE
AMOUNT UP TO $275,000.00, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE VOLUNTEER
INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
MAKING THIS ORDINANCE CUMULATIVE OF PRIOR ORDINANCES; REPEALING ALL
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 2019-2020 in the
Budget of the City Manager,there shall also be increased estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants
Operating Other Fund in the amount up to $275,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant, for the purpose of
funding the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
SECTION 2.
That should any portion, section or part of a section of this ordinance be declared invalid, inoperative or void
for 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 incorporated into the ordinance effecting the budget of the municipal government
of the City of Fort Worth for the ensuing Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2019, and ending September 30,
2020, 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instance said conflicting provisions of said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed.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.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: CITY SECRETARY
Assistant City Attorney afy J. r
ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: February 18, 2020
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 02/18/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0087
LOG NAME: 19UWTC-VITA-2020
SUBJECT
Authorize Application for and Acceptance of,if Awarded,a Grant from the United Way of Tarrant County in an Amount Up to$250,000.00 for the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program,Authorize Execution of Agreement with the United Way of Tarrant County,Authorize Allocation of a
Portion of Assigned Staff Time Valued in an Amount Up to$25,000.00 as an In-Kind Match and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance(ALL COUNCIL
DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1.Authorize the application for and authorize acceptance of,if awarded,a grant from the United Way of Tarrant County in an amount up to
$250,000.00 for the operation of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program;
2.Authorize the execution of the related grant Agreement with the United Way of Tarrant County;
3.Authorize the allocation of a portion of assigned staff time valued in an amount up to$25,000.00 as an in-kind match for this grant;
4.Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Other Fund in an amount
up to$275,000.00,subject to receipt of funds;and
5.Waive the City's requirement to allocate indirect costs to this grant.
DISCUSSION:
The United Way of Tarrant County has funds available for agencies to implement the Asset Development and Income Support Initiative for Fiscal
Year 2020-2021.The outcome of this initiative is to positively impact the financial stability of Tarrant County working families.
One method to accomplish this is by assisting unduplicated low-income families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA)program. In
2001,VITA became a community based program that provides tax return preparation,outreach products and financial education.The goal is to
deliver a program and teach people how to invest their refunds in an advantageous manner to assist them with becoming self-sufficient.
During the 2019 Fiscal Year,the Neighborhood Services Department administered the program through the Community Action Partners at 8 sites
throughout Tarrant County. If the funds are awarded,the Neighborhood Services Department will administer the program in 2020-2021.As of April
15,2019,4,661 tax returns were completed for an overall refund amount of$8,491,067 of which$2,404,429 was Earned Income Credit dollars
from 1,223 clients.The number of clients choosing to purchase savings bonds was 14 and 10 clients decided to split their refund by placing a
portion in a savings account.The impact to Tarrant County's economy is$9,889,367 in refunds and money saved.
The goal for the Department is to assist up to 4,500 unduplicated low-income workers file their tax returns through a VITA site and to file for
approximately$3.0 million in Earned Income Tax Credits(EITC).EITC can supplement the income for families while they work to advance their
earnings.This will enable these families to meet daily living expenses, begin saving, build assets and achieve a level of financial stability.
A 10 percent match is required for this grant and will be provided by allocating a portion of assigned Staff time valued in the amount up to
$25,000.00 that is billed to and paid out of previously appropriated general fund money.The total amount of this grant,when factoring in the in-kind
match,is up to$275,000.00.The grant does not allow for indirect costs to be charged.As a result,all funding will be applied to direct services to
operate the program.
This program serves ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance 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 Grants Operating Other Fund. Neighborhood Services will be responsible
for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to expenditures being incurred, Neighborhood Services has the responsibility to
validate the availability of funds.This is an advance grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by: Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Victor Turner 8187
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774