TAMRMS#: B06
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FCSS Contribution
Notice given by: Mayor Heron
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BUDGET POSTPONED MOTION:
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That the operating budget be permanently reduced by $300,000 to meet only the mandatory 20% municipal FCSS contribution.
[Mayor's comment, not part of Motion: I will follow this up with a motion after the Recovery Task Force report is tabled to find better ways to assist the not-for-profit recipients through shared services, space etc. This is still being ironed out by the task force.]
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Administration’s Understanding of the Intent of the Motion:
Reduce the municipal contribution to the Individual and Family Support Program to meet the FCSS mandatory municipal contribution of 20%. This would result in $280,000 savings in municipal contributions. The municipal reduction combined with the loss of revenue of $20,000 (a grant from the St. Albert Public School Board), would mean a total reduction in program operating budget of $300,000.
Operational or Organizational Impacts if Motion is Approved:
The City provides Individual and Family Support services through the Family School Liaison Program (FSL) and Counselling and Support Services. These programs serve approximately 550 people annually.
In the case of an operating budget reduction to meet the mandatory municipal 20% contribution, the following services would be impacted:
Elimination of the Family School Liaison Program - Provision of confidential counselling to school-aged children and families. Elimination impact: approximately 200 families annually.
Reduction of the Counselling and Supports Program - Provision of counselling and navigation services to youth and adults. Reduction impact: approximately 75 clients annually; wait lists likely increase beyond the current four weeks.
Budget reduction will impact the City's ability to respond to COVID-19 related mental wellness needs.
With the remaining 80/20 funding , the Individual and Family Supports program will provide services for approximately 300 youth and young adults annually.
Financial Implications of Motions:
To reduce the municipal contribution to the FCSS mandatory 20%, requires a $300,000 reduction to the Individual and Family Supports budget. This represents $280,000 in municipal cost savings and $20,000 in lost of revenue.
Stakeholder Consultations:
The Social Sector system in St. Albert delivers programs in a partnership model, and the removal of one service will have an impact on other components. It is important to engage with School Boards if the Family School Liaison Program is eliminated; they have been partners in the FSL program for over 30 years.
Background:
Both the Public and Catholic School Boards have hired school-based Family Support Workers due to the demand being higher than the Family School Liaison Program could meet. The school-based Family Support Workers support students during the school year. The Family School Liaison Program mandate is broader, supporting families not registered in the two school systems and is available to the community all year.
In 2016, the province increased the FCSS Provincial budget by $25 million, (from $76 million to $101 million).
Report Date: December 1, 2020
Author: Connie Smigielski
Department: Community Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble
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