REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  January  31, 2017
CATEGORY:  Consent - Health and Human Services-7.

SUBJECT:

Resolution Authorizing CSBG Standard Agreement with the California Department of Community Services and Development

Supervisorial District No. :  ALL

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Richard Kuhns, Psy.D, Director of Housing/Community Action Programs, (530) 225-5160

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Richard Kuhns, Psy.D, Director of Housing/Community Action Programs

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt a resolution which: (1) Approves and authorizes the Chairman to sign a retroactive Community Action Agency Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) agreement and any subsequent amendments with the California Department of Community Services and Development to pay Shasta County an amount not to exceed $79,102 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 to provide services to persons living in poverty; (2) confirms the County’s intent to use CSBG funds in compliance with applicable regulations; and (3) approves and authorizes the Director of Housing and Community Action Programs, or his or her designee, to sign the Contractor Certification Form CCC-307, CSBG Budget, the Certification Regarding Lobbying, and all required CSBG reports.

SUMMARY

Each year the Community Action Agency receives revenue from the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) for the Community Services Block Grant program.  Approval of the recommendation to adopt a resolution would authorize the Chairman to sign CSD Standard Agreement Number 17F-2044, and any subsequent amendments.  It would also authorize the Director of Housing and Community Action Programs to sign various forms and reports required for participation in the CSBG program.

DISCUSSION

The Community Action Agency (CAA) may use CSBG funds to combat the central causes of poverty by providing services and activities that address employment, education, housing, nutrition, emergency services, and/or health.  The CAA may provide services throughout Shasta County including within the three cities.

The Federal government has not approved a final budget for the current Federal fiscal year and is operating on a continuing resolution to fund the Federal government until April 28, 2017.  As a result, the State of California has not yet received the final year 2017 CSBG budget allocation from the Federal government.  Because of the delay of the final Federal budget, the State of California will provide a revenue contract in the interim amount of $79,102, which is 27 percent of the estimated final grant award.  Once the State receives its actual year 2017 Federal grant award, CSD will amend the agreement.  This is not an uncommon occurrence.  The final year 2017 revenue contract is expected to be $298,055.  The recommended resolution, if adopted, will authorize the Chairman to sign any such amendment(s).  The term of the agreement is for the period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could decline to adopt the resolution or decline to act until a grant agreement for the entire year 2017 allocation is offered.  These alternatives are not recommended, as it could hinder the process of obtaining these funds, which assist very low-income persons.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The resolution was approved, as to form only, by County Counsel.  This recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FINANCING

The CSBG is an on-going, federally funded program.  Anticipated revenue and appropriations were included in the FY 2016/2017 Adopted Budget.  Amounts not expended on this program in the current fiscal year will be included in the requested budget for next fiscal year.  No match is required.  There is no additional General Fund impact with approval of this recommendation.