To

Mayor and Council

Subject

Governor's Emergency Fund Grant

Initiator

Finance/Accounting

Recommendation

Accept Responsibility as Pass-Through Agency for a $10,000 Governor's Emergency \n \n Fund Grant to Camp Robert Lewis in Fortson to assist with construction of a \n \n bathhouse.

Approval

Approved

Background

The Governor's Emergency Fund is a reserve of funds available, at the

discretion of the Governor, to local governments and community organizations

with specific financial needs. These funds are channeled to the recipients

through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and passed through the

local government. The local government must ascertain whether the agency meets

the State requirements concerning the non-sectarian and gratuities clauses of

the Official Code. The local government may choose not to act as pass-through

agency in some circumstances. The Columbus Consolidated Government, in

partnership with the Children, Youth and Family Coalition, administers the

pass-through program to numerous local agencies. The City of Columbus has been

acting as pass-through agency since 1993 with no problems on the state or local

level.

Analysis

Many local agencies rely heavily on funding through Local Assistance,

Governor's Emergency Fund, and Governor's Discretionary Fund Grants to help

with the costs of daily operations. Some use the funds to operate a specific

program that might not otherwise be available to the citizens. The citizens of

Columbus benefit greatly from the programs that are funded with these grants.

Financial Considerations

As pass-through agency, the City of Columbus is responsible for any funds

deemed misspent by the awarding agency. A Grant Agreement is signed and kept

on file for all organizations receiving funds. This agreement indicates that,

if funds are deemed misspent, the organization will reimburse the City of

Columbus.

Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement

Legal Considerations

It is the responsibility of the Local Government to ascertain if an

organization is in compliance with the Official Code regarding the sectarian

and gratuity clause. All grant contracts are approved by the City Attorney's

office before they are submitted to the State.

Recommendations/ Actions

Approval of Resolution to accept responsibility as Pass-Through Agency for a

Governor's Emergency Fund grant in the amount of $10,000 and amend the

Multi-Grant Fund by the same amount.

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