Approval of Interlocal Agreement with St. Lucie County for administration of the Utility Assistance Program.

The City Commission directed staff to determine an acceptable mechanism to assist residents with the rising cost of utilities recently experienced in Fort Pierce as a result of the increased power adjustment implemented by our local municipal utility.  In response, City Staff developed a Utility Assistance Program that will utilize American Rescue Plan funds to assist the low, very low and very very low-income residents.  This program is made possible through a collaborative agreement with Saint Lucie County for administrative purposes. The County shall aid the City in providing assistance with home utility payments to eligible households in the City of Fort Pierce by accepting, reviewing, and evaluating Program applications, as well as publishing the Program application on its website and accepting applications and supporting materials in person and online.  The City of Fort Pierce has partnered with Saint Lucie County previously on the administration of eviction diversion and emergency rental assistance funds, and this is the continuance of our successful collaboration.

The Board of County Commissioners will be considering this interlocal agreement at their 9/6/22 meeting.

Staff recommends approval of the interlocal agreement.  The draft agreement has been approved as to form and correctness by the City Attorney.

Staff will proceed as directed by the City Commission

Nicholas C. Mimms, City Manager

Tanya Earley, City Attorney