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Approve a $6,469,912 Appropriation Transfer Request from the Department of Health and Social Services, Public Assistance, funded by federal, State, and 1991 and 2011 Realignment, to cover mandated aid payments based on Third Quarter projections through June 30, 2024 (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Health and Social Services Department (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a $6,469,912 Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) from the Department of Health and Social Services, Public Assistance, funded by federal, State, and 1991 and 2011 Realignment, to cover mandated aid payments based on Third Quarter projections through June 30, 2024 (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Public Assistance programs provide mandated categorical aid to eligible persons based on federal and State criteria. These include California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Adoptions Assistance Program, Foster Care Assistance, General Assistance, Approved Relative Caregiver, Work Incentive Nutritional Supplement, State Utility Assistance Subsidy, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments. Projecting the costs of Assistance Programs is challenging, given regular changes in federal and State regulations, court decisions, and economic conditions impacting caseloads. The Third-Quarter projections are based on nine months of actual data from July 2023 through March 2024 and indicate insufficient appropriations to cover increased expenditures in Adoptions, Foster Care, and CalWORKs. The ATR is necessary to pay for the projected expenditures through June 30, 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Public Assistance FY2023/24 Working Budget does not have enough appropriations to cover increased expenditures in Adoptions, Foster Care, and CalWORKs. The projected increase in expenditures is fully offset by federal and State, 1991 Realignment and 2011 Realignment revenues with no net increase in the County General Fund.
The cost of preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve the ATR; however, this alternative is not recommended as it will disrupt the continuity of mandated aid payments to eligible persons.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION