HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0031) M&C 19-0335 (3)City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 12/03/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0335
LOG NAME: 19NSCSBG2020
SUBJECT
Authorize Acceptance of 2020 Community Services Block Grant Funds, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services to Support the Reduction of Poverty, the Revitalization of Low -Income Communities and the Empowerment of Low -
Income Families and Individuals to Become Fully Self -Sufficient, in an Amount Up to $2,200,000.00 from the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts, Adopt Appropriation Ordinance and Waive Indirect Costs (ALL COUNCIL
DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the acceptance of 2020 Community Services Block Grant funds in an amount up to $2,200,000.00 from the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs;
2. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any renewals, amendments and extensions in accordance with City policies and
regulations with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds for the program year beginning on January 1, 2020
and ending on December 31, 2020;
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in an
amount up to $2,200,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and
4. Waive indirect costs in the estimated amount of $165,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Fort Worth contracts with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to provide the Community Services Block
Grant (CSBG) Program through Community Action Partners (CAP) which is managed by the City's Neighborhood Services Department. TDHCA
has notified the City to use prior year's grant and contract award as a planning figure for the 2020 CSBG program. The total 2019 contract amount
is $1,838,824.00. CAP staff projects an increase in funding resulting in an estimated grant award in an amount up to $2,200,000.00 for 2020. The
additional appropriation takes into account anticipated increase in services and the award of subsequent grant amounts due to other grantees
being unable to spend their funding. During the past five years, the City has received an average of $1,944,776.00 per year and as much as
$2,104,024.00 in one year. TDHCA distributes the funds in quarterly allocations. The first allocation of $438,522.00 will be available for use
beginning January 1, 2020.
CSBG provides programs and services to assist low-income persons with case management, emergency assistance, outreach and certification
for energy assistance, information and referral and holiday assistance as well as provides clients with transportation to employment, educational
training, medical services and other needs. TDHCA does not require CSBG subrecipients to procure vendors for client assistance but allows the
use of vendors according to the needs of the client that is related to education or employment.
CSBG also supports administrative and programmatic staff salaries. The CAP in the Neighborhood Services Department serves as the
designated Community Action Agency for all of Tarrant County, in accordance with federal law and as such, administers CSBG-funded programs
Nine neighborhood CAP offices will be utilized to deliver the CSBG program services.
A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The CSBG program provides for 25 full-time positions with estimated direct
salaries of one million dollars. Addition of indirect costs would result in reduction in staff and services. The estimated indirect costs that are being
asked to be waived is $165,000.00.
No matching funds are required from the City for the CSBG program.
This program services ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS and the rest of Tarrant County.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that, upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant and adoption of the attached
appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating Federal 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 a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office bT. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Sonia Singleton 5774
Additional Information Contact: Monique Hill 5775