Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign nonfinancial Agency Assistance Agreement 096-M1811 (Agreement) with Southwest Gas Corporation, for access to its web-based Agency Pledge Portal, with a perpetual term commencing upon final signature;
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee, to sign amendments, if any, that do not affect the termination date or change the nonfinancial state of said Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management; and
3) Approve and authorize the Health and Human Services Agency Director, or successor, to administer said agreement, including termination should the Agreement become unnecessary.
FUNDING: Federal Funding.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign nonfinancial Agency Assistance Agreement 096-M1811 (Agreement) with Southwest Gas Corporation (SGC). Approval of the Agreement is necessary to permit designated HHSA staff access to SGC’s online portal to make payments on behalf of Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) clients, to prevent termination of services due to non-payment.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The HHSA Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides assistance to income-eligible households to offset the cost of heating and cooling of their homes. The funding for HEAP consists of federal dollars issued through an agreement by the California Department of Community Services and Development. Eligible homeowners or renters may qualify to have specific payment amounts credited to their electric utility accounts.
As a component of the HEAP program, HHSA staff work with utility companies, such as SGC, to prevent utilities from being terminated due to payment issues for households that meet the HEAP criteria. The Agreement with SGC will allow designated HHSA staff access to SGC’s online portal for payment assistance using HEAP funding. The County has assisted eligible households since the early 1980’s.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of the Agency Assistance Agreement will prevent HHSA staff from having access to Southwest Gas Corporation’s online portal to make payments for County residents who need the temporary assistance in paying their utility bills.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel, Risk Management, and Information Technologies.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) original Agency Assistance Agreements for Services 096-M1811.
2) Clerk of the Board to return both partially executed Agreements to the HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road for submission to Southwest Gas Corporation for final signature.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan, Goal #5 - Healthy Communities: Improved health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of El Dorado County communities, residents, and visitors.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., Director