TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to Sarasota County's Community Development Block Grant Program in the Amount of $55,000 to Fund Staff Salaries for the Social Services Division and Utility Payments for Qualified Recipients and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the Application to Sarasota County’s Community Development Block Grant Program in the amount of $55,000 to fund staff salaries for the Social Services Division and utility payments for qualified recipients, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the Application to Sarasota County’s Community Development Block Grant Program in the amount of $55,000 to fund staff salaries for the Social Services Division and utility payments for qualified recipients.
• Pros: This grant will provide the City with reimbursement for staff salaries for the Social Services Division and utility payments for qualified recipients.
• Cons: There are no foreseeable cons approving this application.
Option 2: Deny the Application to Sarasota County’s Community Development Block Grant Program in the amount of $55,000 to fund staff salaries for the Social Services Division and utility payments for qualified recipients.
• Pros: There are no foreseeable pros to denying this application.
• Cons: The City would not be reimbursed for staff salaries for the Social Services Division and for utility payments for qualified recipients.
Background Information
The purpose of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds is to create and improve communities by providing housing, economic opportunities, and community services. CDBG funds are primarily used to benefit low-income and moderate-income residents. CDBG funds originate with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are managed by Sarasota County and then passed through to municipalities within Sarasota County.
If awarded, the grant will provide the City of North Port with $55,000 to be utilized for caseworker salaries in the Social Services Division and utility payments for qualified individuals. Staff are located at the Family Service Center and provide assistance to low-income families and individuals who reside in North Port.
This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City will spend funds first and then request reimbursement from Sarasota County. Notification of the grant award is expected in late 2025.
If awarded, the Contract will be reviewed by City Attorney’s Office to ensure that it is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
This is a reimbursement grant. Monthly requests for salary reimbursements and utility payments will be submitted, as outlined in the award, not to exceed $55,000.
The revenue account is 001-0000-331.50-05. Expenditure accounts are as follows:
001-0730-564.12-00 - Regular Salaries
001-0730-564.21-00 - FICA
001-0730-564.49-13 - Community Assistance
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Grant Application
Prepared by: Jennifer Sadonis, Grants Coordinator
Valerie Malingowski, Grants Division Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager