Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Accept a donation up to $10,000 from the El Dorado Community Foundation for the purpose of providing emergency lodging to individuals during a proclaimed local emergency; and
2) Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to expend up to $10,000 from the General Fund in FY 2022-23 to provide emergency lodging if needs exceed the donated amount, and make a finding that the utilization of these funds for this purpose provides a public benefit to the community by helping to preserve life.
FUNDING: General Fund/Donation from the El Dorado Community Foundation.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On December 26, 2021 a severe storm fell on El Dorado County, bringing high winds, heavy snow, substantial precipitation, and high and fast-flowing streams, creeks and rivers which resulted in power outages and damages. Over 19,000 PG&E customers have been left without power. As a result, and In an effort to preserve life, the Sheriff proclaimed a local emergency on December 29, 2021. Many elderly individuals and other vulnerable citizens have been without resources to keep them warm and sheltered. The Health and Human Services Agency has already begun assisting individuals through federally and state-funded programs such as the Severe Weather Energy Assistance and Transportation Services (SWEATS) as well as working with PG&E's FREED program to support people with disabilities and older adults during power outages; however, not all who have needs meet the eligibility requirements for such programs. The El Dorado Community Foundation (EDCF) has offered a cash donation to assist with sheltering these individuals.
The funding will be managed by the Emergency Preparedness Division of the Chief Administrative Office, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Agency. Recipients will be vetted and placed in lodging. The bills will be paid directly by the County, so there is no transfer of funds to individuals. Any donated funding not used for the current emergency will be reserved for future needs, as agreed by the EDCF. Any General Fund not used for this purpose will revert to the General Fund at the end of the current fiscal year.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to accept the funds from the Community Foundation and/or choose not to allow the use of General Fund for this purpose.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT/AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of utilizing funds donated by the Community Foundation. In the event additional funds are needed from the General Fund, those costs will be paid utilizing salary savings in the CAO's budget or through a transfer from contingency if needed.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Don Ashton, MPA
Chief Administrative Officer.