Saginaw council approves $288,958 CARES-era CDBG agreement with United Way after questions about timeline and program details

The Saginaw City Council voted 7–1 to approve a Community Development Block Grant (CARES) subrecipient agreement with the United Way of Saginaw County for $288,958 to support COVID-19 response public services, council records show.

Council members raised procedural and programmatic questions before the vote. Councilwoman Hammond said she had ‘‘several questions regarding the grant’’ and noted much of the money was allocated in 2020 and 2021, asking how the funds remain available now. City staff responded that the CARES award was committed in earlier years and that the city retained authority to draw the money down as needs arise; staff said the award had to be dedicated to public services and could be allocated to subrecipients later.

Staff also described the city’s decision to work with United Way as an administrative convenience for distributing reimbursement grants quickly. ‘‘United Way works with all the agencies…they also know who’s doing what, who needs it, and it’s just an easier way to move the money to the community,’’ a staff member said. When asked about timing, staff confirmed the money must be spent by August 21 of the referenced year.

Council members pressed for more specificity about the programs United Way would fund. Staff said the agenda language identifies the purpose as supporting education programs to address literacy declines among low- and moderate-income children due to the COVID-19 crisis, and that the city is talking with local providers (named by staff) to identify eligible programs.

A motion to approve the agreement passed on a roll-call vote with seven votes in favor and one opposed (Council member Hammond). The clerk read the motion on the floor as: ‘‘To approve the community development block grant COVID 19 agreement with the United Way of Saginaw County for $288,958 for the office of management budget, community development block grant division.’’

Council did not identify all subrecipient program details during the meeting; staff said exhibits showing budgets exist but some members did not receive them before the meeting. City staff said they are coordinating with local agencies and United Way to finalize eligible programs and move reimbursement requests forward so the funds will be spent by the deadline.

The council moved on to other agenda items after the vote.