To: Board of Supervisors
From: Anna Roth, Health Services Director
Report Title: Purchase Five Vehicles for the Housing Support Services Department
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE Budget Amendment No. BDA-24-00274 authorizing the transfer of appropriations in the amount of $192,676 from Health Services - Behavioral Health Admin (0467) to Public Works - ISF Fleet Services (0064) for the purchase of five (5) vehicles for client transportation and support in the Housing Support Services Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action increases appropriations in Public Works - Fleet Services (0064) and reduces appropriations in Behavioral Health Admin (0467) by $192,676. The purchase of these vehicles will be funded by Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) FY24/25 Plan Update.
BACKGROUND:
The Housing Support Services Department has increased in staff and county cars are needed to provide services in the field. The role of the staff is to support clients in maintaining their housing by providing clients with support with problem solving, managing crisis, advocating for client's needs, connecting them to services in the community, financial coaching and management. All services in housing are either provided in the client’s home or in the community. The lack of county cars for staff use has impeded our ability to hire staff without personal vehicles and therefore positions have gone unfilled.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this action is not approved, the Department will not be able to support clients in maintaining their housing by providing clients support with problem solving, managing crisis, advocating for client's needs, connecting them to services in the community, financial coaching, and management. The County would also incur higher expenses in continuing to lease the current vehicles rather than purchasing vehicles.