Authorize Acceptance of a Grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the 2017 Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, a Federal Funded Program Sponsored by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Designed to Provide Assistance for Low to Moderate Income Residents to Lower Home Energy Costs in an Amount Up to $2,000,000.00, Authorize Related Contracts, Adopt Appropriation Ordinance and Waive Indirect Costs (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the acceptance of a grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 for the 2017 Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program;

2.  Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, extensions and renewals, in accordance with City policies and regulations, with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for the grant funds for program year January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017;

3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $2,000,000.00, subject to receipt of the grant; and

4. Waive indirect costs in the amount of $22,275.00.

Since 1982, the City has operated the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through grants from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).  This program serves low-income residents in Tarrant County by weatherizing their houses.  Weatherization measures include attic insulation, weather-stripping, caulking, repair and/or replacement of windows and doors and other minor repairs.  Administrative costs are restricted to seven percent of the LIHEAP grant based on the total allowable expenditures for the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program.

The City has weatherized approximately 134 houses with funding from this grant between January and September 2016 and will target completing 150 houses in 2017. Overall, the Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program has completed 150 units during the same period in Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize benefits. LIHEAP provides for 2.50 full time positions with estimated direct salaries of $135,000.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in the reduction of services and staff. The estimated indirect costs to be waived is $22,275.00.

This program services ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.