Title
Approval of the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) Policy
Body
Agenda of: September 28, 2022
Item No.: 2022-381
Amount: N/A
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: September 28, 2022
RE: Approval of the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) Policy
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Nicolette N. Bateson, Chief Financial Officer\Treasurer, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), approve the codification of the Water Residential Assistance Program Policy, and authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
On March 1, 2016, the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) began providing assistance to households in the GLWA service area. WRAP provides sustainable funding for qualifying low-income residents served by the GLWA’s Member Partner Communities. The program is currently funded by GLWA at an amount equal to 0.5 percent of budgeted revenues. The GLWA Board of Directors have approved multiple program changes since inception, and the GLWA team continues to evaluate the program and propose program improvements.
JUSTIFICATION
GLWA now has an Affordability & Assistance team in place that is dedicated to managing the program. The formal establishment of an Affordability & Assistance team presents an opportunity for the Board of Directors to affirm the mission and vision of the program. By codifying the attached Water Residential Assistance Program Policy, the Affordability & Assistance team will have clear parameters to guide program improvements. The attached policy highlights the mission and vision statements which are supported by key program objectives, intended outcomes, funding sources, and oversight controls.
BUDGET IMPACT
None
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This matter was reviewed by the GLWA Audit Committee at its meeting on August 26, 2022. The Audit Committee unanimously recommended that the GLWA Board approve the codification of the Water Residential Assistance Program Policy as presented with the modification to address simplicity of member partner administration.