HomeMy WebLinkAbout37. 22-542DECEMBER 13, 2022 22-542 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED________LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: ACCEPT GRANT FROM THE OSHKOSH UNITED WAY TO
EXPAND GO TRANSIT’S 2023 ACCESS TO JOBS PROGRAM
($13,000)
INITIATED BY: TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, GO Transit has an employment transportation program called
“Access to Jobs”; and
WHEREAS, the federal poverty level updates at the beginning of each year
causing some entry level employees not to qualify for the program; and
WHEREAS, GO Transit applied for a 2023 grant with the Oshkosh United Way in
order to increase the number of persons eligible for the Access to Jobs program; and
WHEREAS, GO Transit has been awarded $13,000 grant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the proper City officials are hereby
authorized and directed to accept the grant of funds from Oshkosh United Way to
enhance the Access to Jobs program and to execute any and all documents necessary to
accomplish this purpose.
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Jim Collins, Transportation Director
DATE: December 2, 2022
RE: Accept Grant from United Way to Expand Go Transit’s 2023 Access to Jobs
Program
BACKGROUND
GO Transit has an employment transportation program called “Access to Jobs”. This service
is a shared-ride, demand response transportation service designed to assist low income
individuals get to and from work. The current one way cost for a ride is $4. The service is
available when the bus is not in service or does not provide reasonable access (walking
distance from the bus stop is unreasonable). To qualify for Access to Jobs you must: live and
work in the City of Oshkosh, work at least 30 hours per week, have a work assignment for a
minimum of 2 weeks and have a household income that is at or below 225% of the federal
poverty level.
ANALYSIS
The federal poverty level is updated at the beginning of each year. Currently, 225% of the
federal poverty level equates to an hourly wage of $14.70 for a family of one. The level is
adjusted by family size. Over the last year or so, starting hourly wages have increased to $15
or more for entry level jobs. Therefore; some entry level employees don’t qualify for this
program. To address this, GO Transit applied for a 2023 grant with the Oshkosh United Way
that would enable us to increase the qualification level for the Access to Jobs program to 275%
of the federal poverty level. The grant application was successful and if accepted would allow
those earning less than 275% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for this program. This
new qualifying wage equates to approximately $17.97 per hour for a family of one (based on
2022 levels).
The Transit Advisory Board recommends acceptance.
FISCAL IMPACT
We anticipate this change will add approximately 10 new riders per month to the program
whom take an average of 13 rides per month. The approximate additional local cost after
federal and state grants and fares is $13,000. This United Way grant of $13,000 covers that
local share.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend acceptance of this grant.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved:
Jim Collins, Transportation Director Mark A. Rohloff, City Manager