To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Derrick Britton, Director of Veterans Services
title
RE: FY24 Professional Services Contract - Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of Professional Services Contract between Genesee County and Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, not to exceed $40,000 during FY24.
BACKGROUND:
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit corporation, delivering free civil assistance to vulnerable populations in Genesee County.
DISCUSSION:
Veterans often face multifaceted challenges, to include receiving legal assistance. Some Veterans are not eligible for legal aid services because many have benefits that take them above the threshold for legal aid, and they cannot afford to pay for an attorney. Concerns with bankruptcy, housing, and general legal advice are hurdles that many Veterans face without proper legal advice.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
There are no impacts on Human Resources.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The FY24 budgeted amount of $40,000 is the same as FY23. While the department had a budget deficit of $462,049 for FY23, FY24 has a budget deficit of $119,241. The budget was scrutinized to make cuts in many areas; however, it is necessary to continue this service for Veterans. GL Number 2930-689.00-883.024.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
There are no impacts on facilities.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
There are no impacts on technology.
IMPACT ON INDIRECT COSTS:
There are no impacts on indirect costs.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Veterans has taken full advantage of legal aid through Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in years past. The department continues to communicate this resource to residents in the county, which has indirect impacts on public health and safety. The decision to continue with this service was based on budget data and making reasonable cuts in other areas. Collaboration with Legal Services of Easter Michigan has been ongoing, which has helped with economic stability and growth for our Veterans.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, approves the request of the Director of Veterans Services to enter into a Professional Services Contract with Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, not to exceed $40,000 during the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year, as set forth in the memorandum request, a copy of which is on file with the official records of the November 8, 2023 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board, and the Chairperson of the Board is authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of Genesee County.