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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Accept funding through revenue Agreement 20D-1007 with the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) for the Disgorgement Assistance Program, in the amount of $92,864 for the retroactive term beginning October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020;
2) Adopt and approve the Chair to sign Resolution 202-2019, thereby delegating authority to the HHSA Director to execute said Agreement and any necessary documents to secure the funding; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director or HHSA Chief Fiscal Officer to administer said Agreement 20D-1007 and any subsequent administrative documents, including required fiscal and programmatic reports.
FUNDING: Settlement Agreement dated October 30, 2017 between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Barclay’s Bank.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) issued Agreement 20D-1007 (Agreement) via e-mail on September 19, 2019. Unfortunately, the e-mail was sent to the prior Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director. HHSA staff reached out to CSD on October 11, 2019 requesting that the agreement documents be provided and also requesting a deadline extension. CSD staff sent the requested documents on October 15, 2019. Health and Human Services Agency staff immediately began processing the Agreement for the next available Board Agenda.
The Disgorgement Assistance Program (DAP) is the result of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) settlement with Barclays Bank PLC on November 7, 2017. The settlement resolved the FERC's claims against the bank for violations of the Federal Power Act and the FERC's Anti-Manipulation Rule. The Agreement provides that $9.4 million shall go to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in California for the benefit of the electric energy customers.
The funds from this one-time Agreement will be used to assist low-income households with offsetting their energy costs by crediting their utility accounts or providing assistance in obtaining firewood or heating fuel. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled, and families with children under five. Historically, this type of assistance is in great demand due to high energy costs and is critical to many frail and vulnerable residents on fixed incomes.
ALTERNATIVES:
Disapproval of Agreement 20D-1007 will decrease the County’s ability to serve vulnerable populations eligible for Low-Income Energy Assistance during the upcoming winter months.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to County General Fund from this funding agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Upon Board adoption and approval, provide one (1) certified Resolution to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director