Agenda Item # 8
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
07/12/2011
Agenda Report # 667
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Support of Community Services Block Grant Funding for Low
Income Residents
INITIATED BY: David Arrington, Deputy City Manager
Recommendation: Authorize a resolution in support of continued funding of
Enrichment Services through the Community Services Block Grant Program.
Background: The federal government is considering a 50% reduction in funding
to the Community Services Block Grant Program. This program is currently
administered by ESP and there would be a significant impact on services to
vulnerable populations within our target groups. The Nurse?s Aide Training
Program administered by Enrichment Services serves approximately 60 residents
per year in helping them gain lifelong skills as Certified Nursing Assistants.
This program provides opportunities for our participants to become placed
locally in long term care facilities. This program also gives the students the
tools they need to successfully have barriers removed to become self
sufficient. Home Delivered Meals would suffer the greatest considering we
serve 120 elderly and homebound clients 5 days a week during the year. In
addition to providing a nutritious meal at an affordable price, our volunteer
network provides opportunities for social interaction critically important to
many of our clients. Many of our clients don?t have family locally and the
meals program allows them to remain in the comfort of their own homes and
maintain a degree of independence without having to endure the high costs of
assisted living facilities. This program is more than just a hot meal, it
gives the clients a sense of being.
Analysis: The proposed reduction in funding of the Community Services Block
Grant program would have a significant and devastating impact on the programs
and services provided by Enrichment Services to the low income residents of
Muscogee County.
Financial Considerations: There is no financial impact for the City.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: There is no projected fiscal impact
for the City.
Legal Considerations: A resolution is required for this action.
Recommendations/ Actions: Authorize a resolution in support of continued
funding of Enrichment Services through the Community Services Block Grant
Program.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUPPORTING CONTINUED FUNDING FOR ENRICHMENT SERVICES
THROUGH THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, Muscogee County, continues to have a high incidence of poverty and
unemployment and these conditions severely affect the quality of life for many
of our residents; and,
WHEREAS, Enrichment Services Program, Inc., has utilized Community Services
Block Grant and other funding leveraged from that source to successfully and
efficiently provide services and opportunities to low-income and unemployed
residents; and,
WHEREAS, the Community Services Block Grant provides not only funding, but by
law assures local control through a mandated board structure and flexibility to
address changing local needs; and,
WHEREAS, funding for the Community Services Block Grant is targeted for drastic
reductions in multiple federal budget proposals, putting the entire range of
services and opportunities provided by Enrichment Services Program, Inc. at
risk.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the City Council of Columbus, Georgia, Columbus Consolidated
Government is fully supportive of Enrichment Services Program, Inc., and urges
that adequate funding for the Community Services Block Grant be adopted in the
Congressional appropriations process to assure the continuation of so many
vital services to the citizens of Muscogee County. These services include the
Home Delivered Meals Program, Nurse Aide Training Program, the distribution of
Commodities and the administration of the Energy Assistance Program. The
employees who work with the grant also provide intensive Case Management to
individuals and families to help them achieve economic stability.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held
the _________day of _____________, 2011 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ________members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
________________________ _________________________
Tiny Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
Attachments
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