DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Rene Dominguez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Modification to Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) Board Budget
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance approving a modification to the Workforce Solutions Alamo Annual Operating Budget for FY 2016-2017 as recommended by the Committee of Six on May 9, 2017 for submission to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
TWC is the state agency that oversees and provides workforce development funding for services to employers and job seekers in Texas. TWC provides funding and services through 28 regional workforce boards, including the locally-created Workforce Solutions Alamo. WSA serves Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson counties (the “WSA Service Area”).
The WSA Board is a group of 25 individuals appointed by the City, Bexar County and judges from the 11 other counties (the “Area Judges”) within the WSA Service Area (collectively, the “Principals”), who represent business, education, economic development, community organizations and government. Board members are appointed to three-year terms. The primary role of the WSA Board is to align, focus and set direction for workforce activities in the WSA Service Area and manage an annual workforce budget of approximately $77 million in federal and state workforce funding.
The Principals are parties to an Interlocal Agreement through the Chief Elected Officials (the “CEOs”) of the WSA Service Area, whereby they oversee the planning, budgeting, administration, and execution of WSA programs. The CEO’s have established a “Committee of Six” to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Currently, Mayor Taylor chairs the Committee of Six with Councilwoman Gonzales and Councilman Warrick serving as alternates.
Proposed Modification to the WSA Annual Operating Budget for FY 2016-2017
The proposed modified Workforce Solutions Alamo Budget for FY 2016-2017 (attached) was considered and recommended for approval by the WSA Board of Directors on April 21, 2017 and the Committee of Six on May 9, 2017. The modified budget amends the fiscal year calendar from July 1 - June 30 to October 1 - September 30 to better align with current contracts and funding streams. The modified budget also includes a planned reduction of $840,130 in expenditures due largely to savings in personnel expenses and professional service contracts.
ISSUE:
The WSA Partnership Agreement requires San Antonio City Council, Bexar County Commissioners Court, and the other 11 WSA Area Judges to review and approve of modifications to the annual WSA Operating Budget. The WSA Board of Directors recommended approval of the proposed modification of the Operating Budget for 2016-2017 on April 21, 2017, and the Committee of Six recommended approving the proposed modification to the Operating Budget on May 9, 2016.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could reject the modification to the Operating Budget for FY 2016-2017. Failure by all the Principals to approve the WSA Operating Budget will not conform to the Partnership Agreement to which the City is a part and then WSA would have to discuss and approve a new requested modification to be approved by all three parties.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the modification to the WSA Annual Operating Budget for FY 2016-2017.