Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	City Commission
FROM:	Social Service Funding Advisory Board
CC:	Casey Toomay, Assistant City Manager Danielle Buschkoetter, Management Assistant
DATE:	April 26, 2017
RE:	2016 Annual Report

Background

In 2016, the City of Lawrence provided $829,853 to over 20 social service agencies in our community. Of that, $513,236 was paid from the City’s General Operating Fund while $316,617 came from the City’s Special Alcohol Fund.

Each agency that received funds from the City was required to submit two bi-annual reports outlining how funds were spent, if their stated objectives were met, and what barriers the agency encountered.

Bi-Annual Reports

The Social Service Funding Advisory Board (the Board) reviewed the first bi-annual report at their October 25, 2016 meeting and reviewed the second, cumulative bi-annual report at their March 9, 2017 meeting.

In general, the Board was satisfied with what the agencies reported. However, the Board did raise the following concerns (based on the reports the agencies provided):

· Elizabeth Ballard Community Center and Bert Nash requested an extension for their 990 submittal to the IRS;

· Elizabeth Ballard Community Center’s audit reported management turnover and inconsistencies in their accounts receivable; and

· DCCCA reported high executive compensation because of one-time payments to departing executives.

These concerns will continue to be monitored by the Board.

Additionally, the Board noted that many agencies listed similar barriers for their clients to move towards self-sufficiency. The barriers included finding affordable housing, high paying entry-level jobs, and access to mental health services.  

Each agency’s application, agreement, bi-annual reports (listed as progress report and bi-annual report), and supplemental information can be found online: https://lawrenceks.org/2016-funding-applications/.