Minutes 11/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 14. 2006 Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Ms. Psi mas, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: "ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY 2006-2007 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM AND TO APPROPRIATE AN ADDITIONAL $30,000 IN THE FY 2006-2007 CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FOR THE WORK RELEASE CENTER RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS PROJECT." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, R. Smith, Holley Nays: None 06 - 513 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting $229,559 in additional temporary assistance for needy family (TANF) Program Funds and appropriating the same amount in the FY 2006-2007 Social Services Fund Operating Budget for the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) Program. Vision Principle: A Robust and Prospering Economy. Background: . On February 8, 2006 President George Bush signed legislation reauthorizing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. . This new legislation will require federal changes to the way Virginia administer its VIEW program. . Governor Timothy Kaine recently signed emergency regulations for administering the TANF program to follow that of the federal government. Discussion: . The Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) program provides employment, education and training opportunities to recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. . Effective October 1,2006, the VIEW program is mandated by new policy to enroll an estimated 240 new participants by December 31,2006. . The new policy requires that localities engage a larger number of participants in work activities. . An increase in the number of participants served result in an increase in the need for supportive services such as day care, transportation, housing assistance, work related items and staff. . Localities will have to meet a 50% work participation rate monthly in order to maintain the current level of funding. Failure to meet this benchmark will result in a financial penalty. Virginia will lose 5% of the TANF block grant and will be forced to increase State spending to make up the loss. This type of loss will mean a reduction in the local agency's VIEW allocation. . Portsmouth currently has the highest unemployment rate of the surrounding cities, however, the activities implemented by the Employment Social Services Program have a positive impact on the unemployment rate. . Over fifty percent of the current caseload of an estimated 600 participants is employed. We have a responsibility to continue to promote the economic success of the citizens of Portsmouth. Financial Impact: . There will be no financial impact as these funds are 100% reimbursable by the Federal/State match. Staff Recommends: Adoption of a proposed ordinance. Vision Principle: A Robust and Prospering Economy. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Pending approval by City Council, these funds will be added to the Social Services Employment Services cost center, VIEW Administrative Support Agreements.