Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 7, 2026
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:
title
Approval and execution of Federally Funded Subgrant Umbrella Agreement between the Florida Department of Commerce and Orange County, Florida Agreement Number E2285 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)
body
PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: By submission of this memorandum, the Community and Family Services Department and the Community Action Division recommend the execution of the enclosed umbrella agreement, 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 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 17 does not make an independent provision for the county to unilaterally terminate the agreement for cause or otherwise.
3. 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.
4. There are several typographical errors throughout the agreement that could affect its interpretation by a court.
CAO has expressed that these concerns could create undue burden on behalf of the county in some cases. CAO’s concerns were relayed to Florida Commerce in writing, however, no amendments will be made to this agreement prior to its execution.
If executed, this agreement would take effect in a retroactive capacity on July 1, 2026. 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. For grant year 26-27, Orange County will receive $1,407,181 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and $1,140,432 for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (CSBG), for a total fiscal impact of $2,547, 613. Orange County LIHEAP direct service funding is no longer a revenue under Orange County management; however, the County is authorized to award up to $5,988,002 in total applications for the program year.
BUDGET: N/A