REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: December 9, 2015 Report No. FIN-15-021
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Ian Irvine, Director of Financial Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Local Grant - Esquimalt Refugee Sponsorship Group
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
It is accepted procedure that staff not make recommendations on local grant funding applications. Options available to Council are listed below under ALTERNATIVES.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
Council Policy No. ADMIN-32 Local Grants
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision does not directly align with any specific strategic priority.
BACKGROUND:
The Esquimalt Refugee Sponsorship Group, formed by community members, is working with the Intercultural Association to sponsor a refugee family for settlement within the Township. The Sponsorship Group is seeking assistance with costs related to housing, housekeeping and other support which would be provided for a period of at least one year.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
Council Policy No. ADMIN-32 - Local Grants allows unallocated local grant funds to be issued throughout the year as determined by Council in response to formal requests. The determination of the actual amount granted remains at the discretion of Council.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications of this decision.
3. Financial Implications
Within the 2015 Financial Plan, an amount of $113,067 was approved for the issuance of local grants. To date, local grants totaling $102,634 have been issued leaving an unallocated balance of $10,433 in the account.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications of this decision.
5. Communication & Engagement
A letter of support would be drafted and a cheque issued to the Esquimalt Refugee Sponsorship Group upon approval by Council. This letter would also remind the Sponsorship Group of the conditions of funding as identified in Council Policy No. ADMIN-32 - Local Grants.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council consider the issuance of a cash contribution of $5,000 from the local grant account in support of the Esquimalt Refugee Sponsorship Group as requested in the local grant application attached to Staff Report No. FIN-15-021.
2. That Council consider the issuance of an alternate contribution to the project.
3. That Council deny the request for funding.