HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0081) M&C 21-0019City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 01/12/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0019
LOG NAME: 19NSTDHCA-LIHEAP2021
SUBJECT
(ALL) Authorize Acceptance of a Grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2021 Low -Income Housing Energy
Assistance Program, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Designed to
Provide Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Residents to Lower Home Energy Costs, in an Amount Up to $1,500,000.00, Authorize Related
Contracts, Adopt Appropriation Ordinance, and Waive Indirect Costs
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the acceptance of a grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount up to $1,500,000.00 for the
2021 Low -Income Housing Energy Assistance Program;
2. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, extensions and renewals, in accordance with City policies and
regulations, with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds for program year January 1, 2021 through
December 31, 2021;
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in an
amount up to $1,500,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and
4. Waive indirect costs.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1982, the City has operated the Low -Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through grants from the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This program serves low-income residents in Tarrant County by weatherizing their homes, making them
more energy -efficient. Weatherization measures include attic insulation, weather-stripping, caulking, repair and/or replacement of windows and
doors, and other minor repairs. Administrative costs are restricted to seven percent of the LIHEAP grant based on the total allowable expenditures
for the LIHEAP.
The City has weatherized approximately 54 houses with funding from this grant between January and September 2020 and projects completing
150 houses in 2021. All Weatherization Assistance Program funding will allow for up to 200 homes to be weatherized.
A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. The LIHEAP provides for 3.00 full-time positions with estimated direct
salaries of $160,000.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in the reduction of staff and services. The estimated indirect costs that are
being asked to be waived is $29,968.00.
This program services 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 ordinances, funds
will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Neighborhood Services Department
(and Financial Management Services) 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. 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
Gail Duncan 5730