City of Gainesville - File #: 180068.

• File #: 180068.
• Version: 2
• Name: ConnectFree Program Update (NB)
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 6/4/2018
• In control: General Policy Committee
• On agenda: 10/11/2018
• Final action: 10/25/2018
• Title: ConnectFree Program Update (B) This item requests the General Policy Committee to receive a status report about the ConnectFree Program, and consider minor revisions to simplify program administration and clarify which projects are eligible.
• Related files: 180175.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
10/11/2018	2	General Policy Committee	Approved, as shown above	Pass
6/21/2018	1	City Commission	Referred	Pass

Title

ConnectFree Program Update (B)

This item requests the General Policy Committee to receive a status report about the ConnectFree Program, and consider minor revisions to simplify program administration and clarify which projects are eligible.

Explanation

In late 2016, the City Commission reinstated the ConnectFree Program (Program) and directed staff to provide a status update in approximately 18 months.

The Program subsidizes water and wastewater extensions and connections to eligible residential structures, and structures that serve persons with special needs.  The subsidies include line extension costs (which are capped at $25,000 for wastewater and $10,000 for water) and connection charges.  In addition, the Program pays onsite plumbing costs for income qualified applicants.  The Program may provide assistance to qualified applicants throughout the GRU service area.  The Program is funded by surcharges collected on water and wastewater connections in the unincorporated part of the GRU service area.

The ConnectFree Program resolution allocates Program funds on an annual basis as follows:

1.                     60% - Single Units/Neighborhood Extensions - Owner-occupied/rental and non-profit/government individual properties.

2.                     15% - Affordable Housing (minimum $37,500) - Local government contribution to affordable housing development projects leveraged with federal/state low-income housing tax credits.

3.                     10% - Public Health, Safety, Environmental (minimum $25,000) - Projects to address public health, safety or environmental welfare.

4.                     15% - Program Delivery (minimum $37,500) - Costs for administering the Program.

Based on the types of projects funded through the Program, the greatest need for assistance was requested from the “Public Health, Safety, Environmental” category.  As such, to provide flexibility to the Program funding criteria and better assist applicants, staf...