CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Adopt the resolution establishing a utility assistance program and authorizing an agreement with Loaves & Fishes Community Services for program administration
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DEPARTMENT: Finance Department
SUBMITTED BY: Rachel Mayer, Finance Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Traditionally, the City had not offered financial assistance to utility customers. However, in 2021, a temporary program was created for customers experiencing financial hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City-funded program was successfully administered by Loaves & Fishes Community Services and concluded on December 31, 2021.
On February 15, 2022, the City Council directed staff to develop an ongoing, needs-based utility assistance program modeled after the temporary program piloted in 2021.
The attached resolution establishes a Utility Assistance Program and authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Loaves & Fishes for program administration.
The program will be established with a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000 annually, which will be budgeted appropriately in future years.
DISCUSSION:
Loaves & Fishes is an established and trusted community partner that is uniquely qualified and highly capable of managing a Utility Assistance Program on behalf of the City. Loaves & Fishes has experience in utility assistance through its Emergency Assistance Program and is familiar with City of Naperville utility billing procedures. In addition to managing the temporary Utility Assistance Program in 2021, Loaves & Fishes is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sub-recipient and social services grantee of the City. They have performed well in all of those capacities.
After receiving direction from the City Council to continue a Utility Assistance Program, staff contacted Loaves & Fishes who agreed to continue managing the intake and evaluation of clients. Staff from Loaves & Fishes and the City are working...
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