Title
Authorizing the Committee on Finance to investigate the operations and significant overspending of the Office of Homeless Services under the previous administration, as well as quality of services provided in the homeless services system.
Body
WHEREAS, The Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget included $80,556,703 in general fund contributions to the Office of Homeless Services, with $69,544,170 allocated to Class 200; and
WHEREAS, The Office of Homeless Services receives an additional $49,056,919 in Grants Fund Revenue for a total budget allocation of $129,613,622 in FY24; and
WHEREAS, Bill No.230767, City Council's FY24 mid-year transfer ordinance, originally included an additional contribution of $14.7 million to the Office of Homeless Services. According to Administration materials provided to Council, these funds are "...to resolve a current-and prior-year shortfall to ensure there is no reduction of shelter (or temporary housing) beds." Limited information about this overspending was provided to Councilmembers; and
WHEREAS, During the FY24 budget process, City Council received a request from the Administration to increase the Office of Homeless Services Class 200 General Fund allocation by $9,430,600, which was approved; and
WHEREAS, During the FY23 fall mid-year transfer ordinance process, City Council appropriated an additional $1,474,734 in operating revenues to "fully fund professional services obligations," and an additional $2,000,000 in capital spending; and
WHEREAS, Despite this significant total appropriation of nearly $70 million in Class 200 general fund revenues for FY24, the Department sought an additional $14.7 million, which equals nearly 19% of their current total general fund budget of $80 million with an insufficient explanation to this body as to why they were unable to meet their current contract obligations with their allocated funds. Ultimately, Council agreed to provide an additional $9.6 million to address unpaid invoice...
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