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AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
2.D.
Work Session
- Meeting Date:
- 08/04/2021
- Department Head:
- Jorge Perez
- Submitted By:
- Jorge Perez, Billing & Collections Manager, Finance Department, Billing & Collections
Action Requested:
Discussion Item - No Action to be Taken
ITEM:
Discussion and possible directions to staff on any and all matters regarding the funding of a low-income water program to assist the residents of San Luis with their water utility payments. (Jorge Perez, Billing & Collections Manager)
SUMMARY:
The Billing and Collections Division is seeking the option of establishing a low-income water utility program to assist financially impacted residents in covering their water utility bills. We are looking at a contract with Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) to manage the program and be responsible for ensuring customer eligibility.
WACOG is currently managing similar programs for our neighboring cities of Somerton and Yuma. We are looking at funding the program through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). WACOG is asking to keep 20% of the initial funding to cover administrative costs while 80% of the funding will go directly to the residents of San Luis in form of utility payment assistance.
The program eligibility requirements will be determined by the City of San Luis in conjunction with WACOG expertise and advice. Some of the most common requirements are initial interviews, backup documentation, and income level. This program can also be crisis-based and not only focused on income level. A limited cap of assistance is also recommended, i.e. $350 per qualified household once a year. Customers will be able to apply directly at WACOG or may be referred by the City of San Luis Billing and Collections personnel.
WACOG will also be responsible for providing monthly reports to the City of San Luis. Financial reconciliations of the funds will be provided as well as checks and vouchers for the approved residents. Activity reports will also be provided, demonstrating the casework done for each of the applicants of the program.
The City of San Luis legal department has reviewed the current agreements that WACOG has in place with the City of Somerton and the City of Yuma and provided approval for the use of funds in a program like this one.
At this time, the Billing and Collections division is merely proposing this program and requesting funding in the amount of $25,000.00 to move forward with WACOG in the preparation of an IGA for the services that they will be providing the residents of the City of San Luis and presented before the Mayor and City Council of San Luis, Arizona for review.
WACOG is currently managing similar programs for our neighboring cities of Somerton and Yuma. We are looking at funding the program through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). WACOG is asking to keep 20% of the initial funding to cover administrative costs while 80% of the funding will go directly to the residents of San Luis in form of utility payment assistance.
The program eligibility requirements will be determined by the City of San Luis in conjunction with WACOG expertise and advice. Some of the most common requirements are initial interviews, backup documentation, and income level. This program can also be crisis-based and not only focused on income level. A limited cap of assistance is also recommended, i.e. $350 per qualified household once a year. Customers will be able to apply directly at WACOG or may be referred by the City of San Luis Billing and Collections personnel.
WACOG will also be responsible for providing monthly reports to the City of San Luis. Financial reconciliations of the funds will be provided as well as checks and vouchers for the approved residents. Activity reports will also be provided, demonstrating the casework done for each of the applicants of the program.
The City of San Luis legal department has reviewed the current agreements that WACOG has in place with the City of Somerton and the City of Yuma and provided approval for the use of funds in a program like this one.
At this time, the Billing and Collections division is merely proposing this program and requesting funding in the amount of $25,000.00 to move forward with WACOG in the preparation of an IGA for the services that they will be providing the residents of the City of San Luis and presented before the Mayor and City Council of San Luis, Arizona for review.
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
Discussion and possible directions to staff only, no action.
Fiscal Impact
- IS THERE FISCAL IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ITEM:
- YES
- CITY/STATE/FEDERAL FUNDS:
- CITY
- TOTAL:
- $25,000.00
- BUDGETED AMOUNT:
- N/A
- AVAILABLE AMOUNT TO TRANSFER:
- N/A
- ACCT NAME & GL#/REMAINING BALANCE BEFORE PURCHASE:
- N/A
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT (IF THIS IS A BUDGET TRANSFER, YOU MUST ATTACH THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FORM):
The Billing and Collections Division is requesting approval to include this funding for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.