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Council refers request to replenish Conley Center emergency account to administration after CFO cites state/FEMA payment error
Summary
Councilors urged replenishing a Conley Center emergency food and shelter account; CFO said a $56,000 FEMA/state payment was issued to the wrong payee but a replacement check is expected and ARPA could temporarily cover the gap with mayoral action; Council referred the matter to the administration.
Councilors urged the administration to replenish the Conley Center emergency food and shelter assistance account after residents and public commenters said the account had "dried out." The resolution was introduced by a councilor who cited elderly residents being turned away because funds were exhausted.
City CFO Mr. Dimas told the Council the account is grant-funded, not in the general fund: a FEMA grant passed through the state has historically covered utilities payments and some food assistance. He said federal funding was delayed at the national level and that the state recently issued a payment (around $56,000) to the wrong payee; the state has been notified and is issuing a replacement check to the city.
Councilors asked whether ARPA funds could be used to cover the shortfall while the state replaces the check. The CFO said ARPA would be eligible for this use but that shifting ARPA funds would require action from the mayor: the mayor previously committed to not funding new projects without bringing them to Council. The Council voted to refer the resolution to the administration for follow-up and clarification on timing and eligibility.
What the Council asked for: Councilors requested a clear timeline for when the replacement state payment is expected, confirmation of what items ARPA may legally cover (it has been used for rental/mortgage and senior meals, but not historically for certain utilities), and a pathway for the mayor to submit any required ARPA appropriation if necessary.
Next steps: The Council referred the item to the administration to return with options and a timeline for replenishment.
