Waynesboro approves updated memorandum of understanding with regional community action agency

Waynesboro City Council unanimously approved an updated memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to govern the city’s relationship with the Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro, commonly known as CAPSLAW.

A staff presenter summarized the proposed revisions, saying the 2016 agreement still in effect contains organizational and operational language that is no longer applicable. The updated agreement clarifies the board’s supervisory role over staff and contract positions, names the city finance department as the fiscal agent for CAPSLAW functions, updates board term language to match current state code, and adjusts signatories to reflect current locality staffing.

A staff speaker explained CAPSLAW was designated by the governor to serve residents of Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro and administers funds from the federal Community Services Block Grant, the state Community Services Block Grant, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Required matching funds are provided by the member localities.

The council moved to approve the MOU and authorized execution; the motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters

The MOU defines how localities share fiscal responsibility and governance for federally and state-funded anti-poverty programs overseen by CAPSLAW. Updating the agreement aligns local practice with state code and the organization’s current operations.

What’s next

Staff said the revised MOU is being considered by the other member localities and that council authorization allows the city to execute the updated agreement once those processes are complete.