AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-240R, approving a funding agreement with Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T) allowing for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to administer a rent assistance program for residents of the City of San Marcos negatively affected by COVID-19 in the amount of $115,000.00 over a two-year term with an option to extend; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to negotiate the final terms of the agreement and execute the appropriate documents to implement the agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: December 3, 2024
Department: City Manager’s Office
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $115,000
Account Number: Click or tap here to enter text.
Funds Available: $115,000
Account Name: Click or tap here to enter text.
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: City Council discussed this area of need during their Work Session on November 6, 2024 and reallocated $115,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward this area on November 19, 2024.
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Quality of Life & Sense of Place
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Background Information:
The US Treasury launched the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund totaling $350B approved through the American Rescue Plan. San Marcos has received an allocation of $18,101,483. The City received half of the funds in June 2021 and the remaining funds in June 2022. Funds must be allocated by 12/31/24 with funds expended by 12/31/26.
At the Council Work Session on November 6, City Council discussed entering an agreement with Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T) to administer a rent assistance program for residents. Staff was directed to approach BR3T and determine if a program could be administered that is less restrictive than their current programs. We recommend an agreement with the following parameters including a few guidelines that could be modified:
• Use the existing Hays County rent assistance program income guidelines, capped at 80% area median income.
• Include the ability to pay the first month’s rent (this helps people who are moving from homelessness or motel into an apartment).
• Eliminate the requirement that the applicant has to demonstrate the ability to pay one month after receiving assistance.
• Eliminate the requirement for a budget meeting.
• Allow payment of 6-months rent.
The contract for consideration is a total of $115,000 covering this assistance program for two years or until the American Rescue Plan Act funding is expended.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution.