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Council clarifies YouthConnect referral funding; staff adds $60,000 for services, not necessarily a new position
Summary
Council members pressed staff on whether YouthConnect expansion funds would create a new position. Staff said YouthConnect is a referral service and that the proposed additional $60,000 is intended for supplemental services and operations rather than a confirmed new hire.
Council members sought clarity on whether funds earmarked for YouthConnect in the proposed budget would pay for a new position or simply supplement existing staff and operations. The matter arose as council considered youth and young adult opportunities funding increases.
City staff explained YouthConnect was previously supported by a three‑year federal grant that expired and that the city had used 311 to handle some referrals in the interim. "The Youth Connect uses community partners to provide needed services to children in the community," a staff member said, and Assistant City Manager Steve Bond informed council that an extra $60,000 was added to support referral services and supplemental materials for those referrals. Staff said the additional funding is to meet service needs when referrals are made and not necessarily to create a new permanent position.
Council members emphasized prioritizing existing employees and said they did not expect most new positions to be filled this fiscal year given pandemic uncertainties.
