AGENDA #4d
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Human Services Advisory Board
Larry Daquioag, Chair
SUBJECT: Recommended 2008-2009 Human Service Performance Agreements
DATE: June 25, 2008
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to present the Human Services Advisory Board’s recommendations for 2008-2009 human services funding.
The attached resolution would authorize the Manager to develop performance agreements with human service agencies as recommended by the Human Services Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND
In response to a request from the Mayor in October 2007, the Human Services Advisory Board prepared an outline of priorities for fiscal year 2008-2009. The Mayor and Town Council asked each board and commission to submit its top five priorities and goals for the next year by mid-December 2007. This document, submitted December 15, 2007, served as the Human Services Advisory Board’s annual Needs Report to the Town Council. Each year the Board determines the priority areas of human service needs for Chapel Hill residents. These priorities guide the Human Services Advisory Board as they evaluate agency proposals and develop recommendations for performance agreements. The 2008 Needs Report was also provided to the public during the January 28 Town Council meeting. This year, the Board received funding requests from 41 nonprofit agencies totaling $338,940.
In a Town Council Budget Work Session held March 5, 2008, the Human Services Advisory Board asked for the Council’s continued support for human service agencies serving the residents of Chapel Hill. On April 28 the Board also provided information to the Council on issues related to the process for reviewing funding requests from outside agencies. The Council requested input on the various methods that outside agencies use to seek and/or receive Town funds.
SUMMARY
Each year, the Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board, the Town of Carrboro and the Orange County government coordinate the application process for nonprofit agencies. The three governments use the same application form, required attachments and deadline for submission. On January 10, the staff and human service board chairs representing these three governments held a meeting for nonprofit human service agencies to distribute application packets and provide information about the funding process. Agencies requesting funding must complete a comprehensive written application form, submit budget information and an annual financial audit. Each agency attends a hearing to present its proposal and respond to questions from the Human Services Advisory Board. The Chapel Hill and Carrboro Human Services Boards held joint hearings for the agencies applying to both towns. The joint hearings were held March 31, April 14, 21, 28, May 5, and 12. The Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board also met on May 19 to hear proposals from agencies only applying to the Town of Chapel Hill. Following the presentations the Board met on June 2 to review each agency and formulate recommendations for the 2008-2009 performance agreements. The recommendations for allocations total $250,000 for 39 agencies. The attached appendix provides brief information on the mission of each applying agency, funds requested, and the Board’s recommendation for Town funding.
RECOMMENDATION
Human Services Advisory Board’s Recommendation: That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Manager to develop performance agreements with human service agencies as recommended by the Board.
ATTACHMENTS