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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 26673-01-2024 Ordinance No. 26673-01-2024 AN ORDINANCE INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE GRANTS OPERATING FEDERAL FUND,SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF THE GRANT,IN THE AMOUNT UP TO$1,200,000.00,FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE 2024 LOW-INCOME HOUSING ENERGY 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 2023-2024 in the Budget of the City Manager,there shall also be increased estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund,subject to the receipt of the grant,in the amount up to$1,200,000.00,for the purpose of funding the 2024 Low-Income Housing Energy 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 26453-09-2023 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which instance said conflicting provisions of said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed.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 �a> ° p a °° °° Q¢aa Gl�i�iaaed nsx*A >m a 0 0 0 OO U � o $,0 Assistant City Attorney Jannette S. Goodall o 0 ` rj City Secretary ° ° °o o° ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: January 23,2024 City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 01/23/24 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 24-0027 LOG NAME: 19NS TDHCA-LIHEAP 2024 SUBJECT (ALL)Authorize Acceptance of a Grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs from the 2024 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 through the City of Fort Worth Weatherization Assistance Program,in an Amount Up to$1,200,000.00,Waive Indirect Costs of$36,295.34,Authorize Execution of Related Contracts and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Authorize the acceptance of grant funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount up to$1,200,000.00 for the 2024 Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program; 2. Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any renewals,amendments and extensions,with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds; 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the amount up to$1,200,000.00,subject to receipt of the grant;and 4. Waive indirect costs of$36,295.34. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication is to approve acceptance of grant funds that will be used to assist with weatherization and energy efficiency efforts in the homes of low-income individuals in the City of Fort Worth(City)and Tarrant County.A contract for services between the City and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs(TDHCA)will be executed upon receipt of the contract from TDHCA in January 2024. The Weatherization Assistance Program(WAP)has been operated by the City since 1982.The bulk of the funding for the program comes from the TDHCA through the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP),which also administers grant funds from the United States Department of Energy and the United States Department of Health and Human Services.Additional funds are supplied by the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies(TACAA),which administers monies allocated by Oncor Electric Delivery(Oncor)to provide a Low-Income Weatherization Program that complements the federally funded WAP and provides assistance to Oncor's low-income customers for energy efficiency measures. The WAP will utilize LIHEAP grant funding to serve low-income residents in Tarrant County with household incomes at or below 150%of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.WAP will assist these residents by weatherizing their homes and making them more energy-efficient.TDHCA's LIHEAP will be administered within existing WAP standards and guidelines,and through various contracts with subcontractors.Weatherization measures include attic insulation,weather-stripping,caulking,repair and/or replacement of windows and doors,and other minor repairs.All subcontractors performing any eligible services for the City will not be paid until work is inspected and approved by Neighborhood Services Department staff.Administrative costs are restricted to seven percent of the LIHEAP grant based on the total allowable expenditures for the LIHEAP.All Weatherization Assistance Program funding will allow for up to 200 homes to be weatherized through the 2024 grant cycle. A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits.The LIHEAP grant provides funding for four full-time positions with estimated direct salaries of$209,921.00.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$36,295.34. Positions funded with LIHEAP grant funds are subject to grant availability. In the event of a grant award being decreased or eliminated, Neighborhood Services Department would review programs and services funded by the grants and determine a level of service and staffing that aligns with the available funding.Alternatives to consider may include staff and program reductions or eliminations. 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 ordinance,funds will be available in the current operating budget,as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal 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 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: Vidal Turner 8187