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Title:
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Approval and execution of Federally Funded Subgrant Umbrella Agreement between the Florida Department of Commerce and Orange County Agreement Number E2248 and authorization for the Mayor or designee to execute any necessary modifications, amendments, and adjustments to this agreement, allowing continued funding for the Community Action Division's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Community Services Block Grant programming. (Community Action Division)
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Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: August 26, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: Venerria L. Thomas, Director
FROM: Jonathan Kohn, Manager
CONTACT: Akella Myler
PHONE: (407) 836-2968
DIVISION: Community Action Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of Federally Funded Subgrant Umbrella Agreement between the Florida Department of Commerce and Orange County Agreement Number E2248 and authorization for the Mayor or designee to execute any necessary modifications, amendments, and adjustments to this agreement, allowing continued funding for the Community Action Division's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Community Services Block Grant programming. (Community Action Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: By submission of this memorandum, the Community and Family Services Department recommends the execution of the enclosed umbrella contract amendment, renewing Orange County's funding relationship with the Florida Department of Commerce. This amendment will enable continued funding from the Florida Department of Commerce for the Community Action Division's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as its Family Self-Sufficiency Program, funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
The County Attorney's Office (CAO) has reviewed this agreement and has provided comments, several of which are material to the execution of the contract:
1. The agreement fails to specify that the terms apply only to LIHEAP and CSBG activities, specifically relating to the disclosure of public records, legal actions, and board materials. Community Action has received verbal confirmation from the Florida Department of Commerce that these provisions apply only to those program activities.
2. Part 22, Section J: prohibits any county employee or elected official from commenting on grants or grant-related activity without prior written consent from the Florida Department of Commerce.
CAO has expressed that these concerns could create undue burden on behalf of the county in some cases. All of CAO's concerns were relayed to the Florida Department of Commerce in writing, and many were addressed through revisions to the agreement. The concerns above, however, remain unresolved.
If executed, this agreement would take effect in a retroactive capacity on July 1, 2025. Without this agreement, Orange County will no longer be eligible for receipt of LIHEAP or CSBG funding, creating a service gap for nearly 6,000 county residents, annually, and affecting the employment of over 30 dedicated county employees. The Community Action Division recommends that Board approve and execute this agreement.
BUDGET: N/A