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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program in the amount of $120,468 due to rollover funding from the prior year (4/5 vote required); and
2) Acting as the governing body on behalf of the El Dorado Public Housing Authority (PHA), approve and authorize the Chair to sign a FY 2024-25 Budget Transfer Request to increase revenue and appropriations for the PHA program in the amount of $420,000 (4/5 vote required).
FUNDING: 100% Federal via the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for PHEP; 100% Federal via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for PHA.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The PHEP Program is a critical source of funding, guidance, and technical assistance for state, local, and territorial public health departments to strengthen their public health preparedness capabilities and improve their response readiness. The program aims to enhance the capabilities of public health systems to respond effectively to evolving threats and other emergencies, exceeding the day-to-day capacity and capability of the public health emergency response systems. The PHEP Program, previously administered by the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, was transferred to HHSA in FY 2024-25 (Legistar file 24-0219). This recommendation to increase revenue and appropriations is due to rollover funding from the prior year and will allow HHSA’s Public Health Division to fully expend these funds in the current fiscal year.
The PHA operates under federal guidelines from HUD to provide a rental subsidy assistance program called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (formerly known as Section 8 housing). Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) vouchers are used by the PHA to provide tenant-based assistance to help eligible PHA clients subsidize housing costs. PHA issues HAP vouchers on behalf of its clients through multiple HUD programs, all of which are funded 100% by federal HUD dollars. The current year’s budget was based on spending at historical levels with some modest growth; however, actual spending has exceeded these levels, necessitating the need to add additional appropriations and offsetting federal revenues.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this BTR for the PHEP, HHSA would not have sufficient budgeted appropriations to fully expend the available funding.
Should the Board decline to approve this BTR for the PHA, HHSA would not have sufficient budgeted appropriations to process housing and utility assistance payments through the end of the fiscal year.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 04/23/24, 24-0219, HHSA/CAO Transfer of Emergency Preparedness Programs
2) 05/14/24, 24-0831, HHSA CS Public Housing Authority Budget Transfer Request
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no General Fund dollars associated with these items. If approved, the BTRs will increase revenue and appropriations in the Public Health PHEP Program by $120,468 and in the PHA Program by $420,000 in FY 2024-25.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain signature of Chair on the attached BTRs; and
2) Submit the BTRs to the CAO office for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
Area of Focus: Safe and Healthy Communities
Priority: Develop a continuum of support and housing opportunities for unhoused individuals
Action Item: Continue Engagement with County departments, the homeless community, and countywide partners to develop effective strategies including for example, transitional housing
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency