HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-20-2001-9aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 20, 2001
Action Agenda
Item No. _ 3 -OL_
SUBJECT: Additional Funding for the General Assistance Program
DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. 1999 - 2000 Comparison
Il. Number Of Families Served
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Martin Whitt, Acting Director, ext 2858
III. Demographics TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider a request from the Department of Social Services for appropriation of
an additional $50,000 in General Assistance funds for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
BACKGROUND: General Assistance is a locally funded Department of Social Services (DSS)
program that helps indigent Orange County citizens meet emergency financial needs. During
the first seven months of FY 2000-2001, 925 families were served, compared to 670 in the
same period last fiscal year. This represents an increase of over 28%. Of the 925 families
served, about 50% (459) were from the Chapel Hill area and the other 50% (466). were from the
rest of the county. Fifty-three percent (53%) of the families served were current recipients of
other DSS services.
Several factors have contributed to a General Assistance spending increase of 139% over the
same period last year. The temperatures have been unusually cold, and heating costs have
increased an average of 43%. Public Service Gas Co. charges a $250.00 deposit in addition to
payment of any outstanding balance. Many low-income families have their gas service turned
off in summer without paying the last bill. When cold weather returns and the families have
inadequate funds to do so themselves, General Assistance must pay the old bill and the deposit
before service is reconnected. Other utility increases have also occurred, including a 33%
water rate hike by the Town of Hillsborough, OWASA increases of water rates by 6% and sewer
rates by 3%, and large increases by the unregulated propane gas industry.
There have also been significant increases this year in spending rates for other DSS
emergency assistance programs, including 68% in the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and
36% in the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Assistance Program.
Fortunately, there have been additional State funding allocations for CIP of $193,393 and, with
approval of additional funding for ,the County's General Assistance Program, DSS staff
anticipates being able to respond to needs of indigent citizens in crisis.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: The requested funding would be appropriated from the Commissioner's
Contingency account. The original FY 2000-01 budget included $175,000 for contingencies.
To date, there have been no appropriations against the contingency account this fiscal year.
The Manager suggests that the Board consider an appropriation now of $25,000 from'
contingency, and following a future report from DSS staff, ascertain if a further appropriation for
General Assistance might be needed later in the fiscal year.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board appropriate from
Commissioners' Contingency account $25,000 in additional General Assistance funds for FY
2000 -2001.
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