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Based on this, staff recommends the following modifications to the program: <br /> • Increase funding for the program to $100,000 <br /> • Increase City subsidy from 75% to 90% <br /> • Increase allocations from $250 per individual and $500 per household to $300 <br /> per individual and remove per family per household maximum <br /> • Move toward a scholarship model to allow individuals to register for programs <br /> online. <br /> Staff recommends the eligibility requirements and application process remain <br /> unchanged. <br /> Increasing the funding to $100,000 allows for more community members to participate <br /> in the program and for the scholarship model to work by preloading accounts with funds <br /> so that fee assistance participants may use the online registration system. Any unused <br /> funds will be returned to the City through fiscal year-end accounting processes. <br /> Increasing the percent subsidy allows for those most in need in our community to <br /> participate. Eliminating the household maximum helps larger families accommodate all <br /> their family members. <br /> While the Human Services Commission, in its recent review of the program, <br /> recommended allocating 25% of the funding exclusively for Gingerbread Preschool <br /> programs, staff recommends not favoring one program over another and instead <br /> allowing residents to utilize the assistance funds to best meet their unique needs. This <br /> also allows the program to run most efficiently, effectively, and with the fewest barriers <br /> to access. <br /> Funding is included in the 2023-25 operating budget and the projected cost will be <br /> updated as part of the mid-year budget review if necessary. <br /> Submitted by: Fiscal Review: Approved by: <br /> Heidi Murphy Susan Hsieh Gerry Beaudin <br /> Director of Library Director of Finance City Manager <br /> and Recreation <br /> Attachments: <br /> 1. Resolution <br /> Page 3 of 3 <br />