Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the execution of a grant agreement with Families in Crisis, Inc. utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for operating expenses for the Friends in Crisis Program, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.
Body
DATE: February 6, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Tiffanie McNair, Executive Director of Community Development
SUBJECT: Families in Crisis ARPA Subrecipient Agreement for Homelessness Services
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Families in Crisis provides emergency shelter and supportive services to persons experiencing homelessness through several programs including but not limited to: Domestic Violence Shelter, Emergency Solutions Grant Shelter Program, and Killeen Homeless Shelter, also known as, Friends in Crisis.
On October 9, 2023, the City of Killeen received a letter, along the 2022 Financial Statement, from Families in Crisis, Inc. describing challenges with funding which would force the organization to cease operations of its homelessness shelter, Friends in Crisis, starting in March of 2024 through September 2024. The reason for the anticipated shut-down was due to significant decreases in federal and state funding previously made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount requested was $396,504 with monthly costs estimated as follows: Shelter Services - Wages and benefits $42,813 and Operations - Food, Cleaning Supplies, Telephone, Electricity, Water, Repair and Maintenance $6,759.00.
On October 11, 2023, the City of Killeen received an updated letter decreasing the requested amount by $49,500 to $347,004.00.
On October 17, 2023, representatives from Families in Crisis appeared before council to request consideration for funding with the reappropriation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding as presented by Finance staff under agenda item DS-23-100.
On November 28, 2023, a public hearing (PH-23-060) was held, and City Council directed staff to increase revenue and expense accounts in multiple funds including ARPA. Part of this direction included an appropriation of fund for Families in Crisis for the Friends in Crisis Program in the amount of $350,000 (Ord. 23-072). This item is to obtain authorization from City Council to allow the City Manager or his designee to execute an ARPA subrecipient agreement for homelessness services with Families in Crisis in an amount not to exceed $350,000.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that the City Manager or his designee be authorized to execute a grant agreement with Families in Crisis providing ARPA funding for the operation of the Friends in Crisis Program through September 30, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Yes. The City’s Financial Governance Policies, Section V. Budget Administration (B)(1) states that City Council may amend or change budget by ordinance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The amount is $350,000.00 in FY 2024. No anticipated expenses in future years for this project.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a one-time expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Non-Departmental account 010-9501-491.50-86.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute a grant agreement with Families in Crisis, Inc. utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the operation of the Friends in Crisis Program through September 30, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $350,000.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Agreement
Request
Financial Audit
Ordinance 23-072
Presentation