DATE: February 1, 2022
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Maria I. Aguirre, Interim Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Budget Resolutions for Aid to Refugees
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2021-22 appropriations and estimated revenues for the Social Services Fund 0065, Subclass 17225, Welfare Advance Fund Org 1120 in the amount of $381,860 (4/5 vote); and,
2. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2021-22 appropriations and estimated revenues for the Department of Social Services - Aid to Refugees Org 6615 in the amount of $381,860 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions, which will allow the Department of Social Services to address budgetary needs caused by an increase in the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program caseload due to the resettlement of Afghan Humanitarian Refugees. Approval of the recommended actions will provide sufficient appropriations to allow the Department to issue federally mandated payments. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There are no viable alternative actions. If the recommended actions are not approved, the Department will not have sufficient appropriations to issue federally mandated payments through the end of the fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Approval of the recommended actions will increase appropriations and estimated revenues to fund Operating Transfers Out ($381,860) from Social Services Fund 0065, Subclass 17225, Welfare Advance Fund Org 1120 into the Department’s Aid to Refugees Org 6615 due to an increase in caseload in the Refugee Cash Assistance program. The estimated costs will be fully offset by additional Federal revenues.
DISCUSSION:
The County was approved as the 20th Refugee Resettlement region for Afghan Humanitarian Refugees. The Department provides public assistance to newly admitted refugees and immigrants who qualify under the RCA and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). RCA is 100% federally funded and CAPI is 100% funded by the State.
Caseload growth is primarily due to the RCA caseload as the refugees are eligible for Federal benefits. The average RCA caseload was initially budgeted at seven cases per month in FY 2021-22. Effective with the December 2021 benefit month, the average caseload per month was projected at 107 cases, or an increase of 100 cases per month. Individuals eligible for RCA can receive benefits for up to eight months after their date of admission to the United States in qualifying status.
With your Board’s approval, the Department will be able to increase appropriations and revenues to issue funds from the Aid to Refugees Org 6615.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 1120)
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 6615)
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa