Report Prepared by: Sarah Knoester, Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Service Agreement with Merced County to Administer the Youth Jobs Program Using American Rescue Plan Act Funding in the Amount of $1,175,000 From July 1, 2024, to December 30, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a Service Agreement with Merced County to administer the Youth Jobs Program Using American Rescue Plan Act Funding in the Amount of $1,175,000 from July 1, 2024, to December 30, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Service Agreement with Merced County to administer the Youth Jobs Program in the amount of $1,175,000 from July 1, 2024, to December 30, 2025; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200; City Council Action of May 1, 2023 - American Rescue Plan Act Approved Additional Allocation for Job Training Program
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 2023/2024 Adopted Budget; Merced Unity Project: Youth Job Training & Regional Economic Development Planning
DISCUSSION
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), City Council designated $1,025,000 of ARPA funding for a youth job program at the January 18, 2022, meeting. Staff collaborated with Merced County Department of Workforce Investment to develop a scope of service for the youth job program and a Professional Service Agreement was brought forth to City Council for approval at the April 18, 2022, meeting. This agreement was for two years, utilizing $525,000 in the first year and $500,000 in the second year, and expires June 30, 2024. Merced County Workforce Investment staff have submitted a preliminary report on the success of this program (see Attachment 1).
At the May 1, 2023, city council meeting, staff gave a presentation to city council asking for a recommendation on reallocating remaining ARPA funds. At this meeting, Council allocated another $1,175,000 to the youth job program.
Merced County Department of Workforce Investment and City staff have again collaborated to develop a scope of service that incorporates services from Bay Valley Tech. Staff is requesting approval of a Services Agreement to continue the youth job training program from July 1, 2024, to December 30, 2025 (see Attachment 2).
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
ARPA funding in the amount of $1,175,000 is available in account GR223024 20114000-511301.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Merced County Workforce Investment Preliminary Report
2. Merced County Workforce Services Agreement
3. Merced County Agreement for Professional Services (original)