Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter contract with Impact Community Action, a non-profit corporation, to provide administrative services regarding the Department of Public Utilities low-income utility discount program. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $12,559.61.
The City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities offers a Low-Income Water and Sewer Discount Program to qualifying customers. Impact Community Action handles the administrative service portion of the Low-Income Water and Sewer Discount program. This program includes a 20% discount available on water and sewer consumption charges for qualifying low-income customers. In 2023, the department offered a one-time $60 bill credit for approved customers. This credit was made possible due to the City's receipt of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which were appropriated to the City's Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Enough ARPA balance remains that the City intends to issue additional credits through December 31, 2026. The original contract for administrative services associated with this program expired on December 31, 2023, leaving $12,559.61 remaining on PO358938. With the extension of the utility discount program, the need to continue the administrative services and the usage of the remaining funds on PO358938 is necessary. If unforeseen issues or difficulties are encountered that would require additional funding, a modification would be required.
Principal Parties:
Impact Community Action
711 Southwood Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43207
Beth Urban, (614) 453-1697
Contract Compliance Number: 001447
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: 11/08/2025
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. As of now, $12,559.61 is available on PO358938 to meet the financial obligations of this contract. The Department is seeking authorization to use the remaining funds on PO358938 to pay for the costs of the contract.
$7,440.39 has been spent so far in 2024
$00.00 was spent in 2023
$00.00 was spent in 2022
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a not-for-profit service contract with Impact Community Action, a non-profit corporation, to provide administrative services regarding the Department of Public Utilities low-income utility discount program for an amount not to exceed $12,559.61; and to authorize the use of remaining funds of $12,559.61 on PO358938 to pay for the costs of the contract. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a contract with Impact Community Action to provide administrative services regarding the Department of Public Utilities low-income utility discount program; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to use the remaining funds on PO358938 sat up in conjunction with the Public Utilities low-income utility discount program; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Utilities in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Impact Community Action for services regarding the Department of Public Utilities low-income utility discount program; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to enter into a not-for-profit service contract not to exceed $12,559.61 with Impact Community Action, a non-profit corporation, in accordance with such other terms and conditions of the agreement on file for administrative services regarding the Department of Public Utilities low-income utility discount program through December 31, 2026.
SECTION 2. That the Director of the Department of Public Utilities be and is hereby authorized to use the funds associated with PO358938, originally set up in conjunction with the Public Utilities low-income utility discount program.
SECTION 3. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.