County reviews $150,000 drop-in center grant and seeks clarity on indirect costs

A representative for a local drop-in center (identified in the meeting as Alicia) presented the center’s budget lines and a state grant that, as presented to commissioners, totals $150,000 annually (split in the grant documents as $75,000 for one program area and $75,000 for another). Alicia told the board the county portion of grant-related indirect costs appears to be about 5% (roughly $7,500) and that more detail is needed from the state and county finance to confirm what the grant will and will not cover.

Commissioners and staff reviewed line items for wages, fringe, travel and program expenses. Alicia said wages increased because the center added staff this cycle, and that the grant’s total appears to cover primarily wages while some program expenses and training may be covered separately. Commissioners directed Alicia to contact the state grant manager and county finance (Wendy) to obtain definitive guidance on allowable costs, carryover rules and the fund code the county should use so the drop-in center can reflect the award correctly in county accounting.

County staff and the drop-in-center representative also flagged administrative complications introduced by the state’s new reporting forms (SB 440-style tracking referenced earlier in the meeting) that have increased required trackkeeping. Commissioners suggested obtaining a grant amendment or reallocation if necessary and asked staff to return with clarified figures and the official state award letter.

What happens next: the center’s representative will request clarification from the state on allowable indirect and program costs and will work with county finance (Wendy) to assign correct fund codes and, if necessary, seek an amendment.