HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 25060-09-2021 ORDINANCE NO.25060-09-2021
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 2020-2021 in the
Budget of the City Manager,there shall also be increased estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants
Operating Other Fund,subject to the receipt of the grant,in the amount up to$275,000.00,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 cumulative of Ordinance 24446-09-2020 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said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed.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 Ronald P.Gonzales
Acting City Secretary
ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: September 21,2021
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 09/21/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0713
LOG NAME: 19NS UWTC-VITA-2021
SUBJECT
(ALL)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 Attached Appropriation Ordinance
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;and
4. Adopt the attached appropriation 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.
DISCUSSION:
The United Way of Tarrant County has funds available for agencies to implement the Asset Development and Income Support Initiative for Fiscal
Year 2021-2022.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 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 2020 Fiscal Year,the Neighborhood Services Department administered the program through the Community Action Partners at eight
sites throughout Tarrant County. If the funds are awarded,the Neighborhood Services Department will administer the program in 2021-2022.As
of June 15,2021,3,096 tax returns were completed for an overall refund amount of$4,932,459.00 of which$1,147,989.00 was earned income
credit dollars from 640 clients.The number of clients choosing to purchase savings bonds was 19 and two clients decided to split their refund by
placing a portion in a savings account.The impact to Tarrant County's economy is$5,861,259.00 in refunds and money saved.
The goal for the department is to assist up to 3,500 unduplicated low-income workers file their tax returns through a VITA site and to file for
approximately$1.5 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 ten 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(and
Financial Management 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