Memorandum
City of Lawrence
City Manager’s Office
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DATE: |
March 20, 2014 |
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TO: |
David L. Corliss,
City Manager |
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FROM: |
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CC: |
Diane Stoddard,
Assistant City Manager |
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RE: |
2015 Budget Process –
Outside Agency application changes for 2015 funding year |
Please place the
following item on the agenda for consideration of the City Commission:
Consider
approving applications for outside agency funding for the 2015 Budget Process.
Background
As part of the annual
budget process, applications for funding are submitted by social service
agencies, economic development agencies, and vendor agencies. Changes recommended for the 2015 funding year
are summarized below.
Social Service Agency Applications
The Social Service
Funding Advisory Board reviews applications and makes recommendations to the
Commission for City funding from the General Operating Fund and Special Alcohol
Fund. Their recommended changes for the
2015 budget year include the following:
Special Alcohol Funding
Application. The Board recommends simplifying the
application by no longer requiring applicants to select a category for their
application and instead asking the applicants to provide a narrative
description of how their program is consistent with City Charter Ordinance 33
which outlines the permissible uses of liquor tax proceeds.
Non-Alcohol Funding
Application. The Board recommends incorporating the Community
Health Plan recently endorsed by the City Commission into the application for
the 2015 funding year. Applicants would no
longer be asked how their program aligns with City Commission goals and instead
would be required to demonstrate how their program aligns with one or more of
the five areas of the plan: access to healthy foods; access to health services;
mental health; physical activity; and poverty and jobs.
Economic Development and
Vendor Agency Applications
Applications
for funding from economic development agencies and agencies that are considered
to be vendors are reviewed by the City Manager who provides recommendations for
funding as part of his annual recommended budget. Staff recommends the following changes to the
application for the 2015 funding year:
·
Applicants
would be required to provide a justification for any requested increase in
funding;
·
Applicants
would be asked to explain how a reduction in funding would impact their ability
to provide services to/on behalf of the City; and
·
Applicants
would no longer be required to provide a statement of the problem / need to be
addressed by their program or a description of the service they will provide to
address that need.
Action Requested
Staff
recommends the City Commission consider approving the applications for outside
agency funding for the 2015 Budget Process.