Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Development to modify grant agreements, by adding additional funds, with various social service agencies throughout Central Ohio to allow those agencies to provide additional utility assistance grants to the residents they serve and households who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The original agreements were authorized under ordinance 1805-2020 and totaled $1,035,000.00. The total amount of these additional grants is $250,000.00.
The social service agencies for which contract modifications are requested include:
Original Mod 1
Amount Amount Agency Vendor No. CC Expiration
$ 55,000.00 $55,000.00 Central Community House of Columbus Inc. 006068 4/22/22
$ 35,000.00 $50,000.00 St. Stephens Community House 006082 6/4/22
$ 85,000.00 $65,000.00 Mid-Ohio Board of Independent Living 004551 8/20/22
$ 75,000.00 $30,000.00 Community Refugee & Immigrant Services 005773 6/17/21
$ 55,000.00 $50,000.00 Gladden Community House 006075 5/15/21
$250,000.00
The COVID 19 pandemic has caused significant job loss, unemployment, and reduction of income within Columbus and Franklin County. As a result, a significant number of households have been unable to pay their utility bills. While utility providers have suspended shutoffs due to non-payment, the accumulating cost will only further destabilize at risk households when the suspensions are lifted.
This funding will be used to provide utility assistance to qualified individuals and households as well as associated administrative costs for expenses starting March 1, 2020.
The services included in this contract cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current staffing capacity to provide.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested so that the organizations can provide additional services without interruption.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is provided to the City of...
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