Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Family Success Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to execute Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (“LIHEAP”) Vendor Agreement between Florida Power & Light Company (“FPL”) and Broward County, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, effective upon execution for a period of two years, providing procedures for processing energy assistance payments to FPL on behalf of eligible LIHEAP clients; authorize the County Administrator to execute amendments to the Agreement, subject to review and approval for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, that do not impose any additional financial obligations on the County; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Agreements with external agencies require approval by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”).
What Action Accomplishes
The Vendor Agreement provides payment processing procedures for LIHEAP payments to FPL and satisfies the LIHEAP grant requirement that recipients have written agreements with energy vendors.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Commission’s value of “building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives” and the goal of “delivering human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.” The Vendor Agreement satisfies the LIHEAP grant requirement of having written agreements with energy vendors allowing Broward County to provide financial assistance to eligible Broward County residents with emergency energy needs.
As a designated Community Action Agency, Broward County administers federal funds from the LIHEAP grant awarded through the Florida Department of Commerce (“FloridaCommerce”). LIHEAP funding assists households in Broward County that meet income eligibility guidelines with electric bill payments to reduce the risk of health and safety problems that may arise from lack of energy or use of unsafe heating and cooling practices.
The LIHEAP grant agreement with FloridaCommerce requires Broward County to have written agreements with energy vendors that must include the process for making payments on behalf of clients and identifying portions of clients’ energy bills eligible for payment, a statement that any remaining balance is the client’s responsibility, a statement from the energy vendor that clients will not be treated adversely or discriminated against because of such assistance, and the requirement to collect from clients signed authorizations for release of information for LIHEAP participation.
FPL is the sole provider of electrical energy for residents in Broward County and will be the only recipient of these payments. The relationship with FPL is an essential component of LIHEAP and the Vendor Agreement will provide the fundamental structure for that relationship. FPL agrees to accept payments from Broward County under LIHEAP and charge the clients for any remaining balances. Except for payments made on behalf of clients, no other fees or charges are paid to FPL as part of the Vendor Agreement.
Delegation of authority to the County Administrator is requested to allow the LIHEAP Vendor Agreement to be executed during the Commission 2024 Summer Recess. The LIHEAP Vendor Agreement will be reviewed and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney prior to execution by the County Administrator.
Source of Additional Information
Natalie D. Moffitt, Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6367
Kristi Hill, Assistant Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6367
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
There are no costs associated with the LIHEAP Vendor Agreement. Administrative and grant expenses associated with LIHEAP are paid through grant funds received under the LIHEAP grant agreement.