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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0041) M&C 20-0470City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 06/23/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0470 LOG NAME: 19NS CARES ACT CSBGFUNDS SUBJECT Authorize Acceptance of Community Services Block Grant Funds, in an Amount Up to $3,000,000.00, from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Authorize Execution of Related Contracts, and Adopt Attached Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that City Council: 1. Authorize acceptance of Community Services Block Grant funds, in an amount up to $3,000,000.00, from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act; 2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute related contracts, including any renewals, amendments, and extensions with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; and 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the amount of $3,000,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant. DISCUSSION: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, published on March 27, 2020, is a law meant to address the economic fallout of the 2020 COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions to help local governments prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus, including providing for additional allocations of formula grant funds under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), a federally funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and passed through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, 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. The City was notified on April 24, 2020 as an eligible entity for a possible award up to $3,000,000.00. The Community Action Partners will administer the funds to assist coronavirus-affected clients with case management, employment assistance, outreach and certification for energy assistance, information and referrals as well as providing clients with transportation to employment, educational training, medical services and other needs. Applicants will need to provide documentation of their income, current lease, utility bills, and other required documents, and meet the Federal Poverty Income level of less than 200%. Indirect costs are not being charged to this grant as the Neighborhood Services Department Indirect Cost Rate was zero in the City's most recent Cost Allocation Plan. These programs are available in ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS. 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 and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Neighborhood Services Department will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to expenditures being incurred, the Neighborhood Services Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds prior to an expenditure being made. This is a reimbursement grant. Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122 Originating Business Unit Head: Victor Turner 8187 Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774