Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding Order No. 2022-06. An Order of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis, Arizona, implementing American Rescue Plan Act Funds for household assistance through a utility aid program and authorizing and directing the entering into an agreement with Western Arizona Council of Governments ("WACOG") to administer eligibility screening and other administrative services to reduce the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.  (Edgar Esparza, Acting Billing & Collections Manager)

The Billing and Collections Division has been working on establishing a low to moderate-income utility aid program for assistance to households to cope with the lingering negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.  The utility aid program will implement a utility aid program created by the federal American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") and using the city's ARPA fund allocation and the $50,000.00 designated by the city under Order No. 2022-01.

Staff looked into the options with local non-profits to administer the eligibility portion of the program and also the possibility of staff administering the entire program.  After negotiations, Western Arizona Council of Governments ("WACOG") was agreeable to ten percent (10%) or $5,000 to administer the eligibility portion of the program. WACOG is a well-recognized non-profit organization that is dedicated to serve low-income households in Yuma County, Mohave, and La Paz. WACOG currently manages similar programs for our neighboring cities of Somerton and Yuma.

Under the agreement, WACOG is asking to keep 10% ($5,000.00) of the funding to cover administrative costs while the remaining 90% ($45,000.00) of the funding will go directly to the residents of San Luis in the form of utility assistance. Also, WACOG is going to be responsible for managing and ensuring customer eligibility under ARPA regulations. 

In order for customers to apply for the program, they will have to be referred by City Billing & Collections personnel to WACOG to determine customer's eligibility. Also, eligible residents are going to be able to obtain no more than two (2) vouchers for a total of $250.00 assistance per a twelve-month period. Such vouchers are going to be emailed directly to the City Billing & Collections Division. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the end of each month, WACOG is going to send a check for the amount equal to the aggregate value of the vouchers distributed in the program for the preceding month. 
 
WACOG will also be responsible for providing accurate records of all monies received from the City and the disbursal of such money and any other data the ARPA regulations require. Such records are going to be available for inspection by the city upon reasonable notice during normal business hours. In addition to the aforementioned reports, WACOG will provide monthly reports with the amount of applications received, applications approved, and the money distributed. Also, activity reports demonstrating the casework done for each applicant is going to be available.

The Billing and Collections Division is asking Mayor and City Council for the approval of this agreement.