In April of 2019, staff from the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency presented to and sought further clarification and feedback from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors on key program updates. Three primary items being: 1) simplifying the food, clothing, household goods and transportation benefit categories into one “basic needs” category; 2) Allowing the utilization of housing benefits on motels; and 3) Updating the resolution’s standards of aid and eligibility criteria based on recent State trends and legal services items.

In July of 2019, based on previous feedback provided by the Board, consultations with Legal Services of Northern California and County Counsel, and comparisons of other California county General Assistance Benefit Programs, staff is recommending that the Board adopt a revised General Assistance Resolution (Attachment A). This revised resolution adjusts the General Assistance program and adopts a new standard of aid. A summary of key changes included in the resolution is provided in Attachment B, which clearly notates the program changes being adjusted.

This agenda item will result in a General Fund impact of up to $88,094 annually. This amount is projected based on average annual caseloads in the General Assistance program. Funding associated with this action will be included in the FY 2019-20 adopted budget, and related funding will be included in budgets for future fiscal years.