2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 26 - HUMAN SERVICES CODE (§§ 26-1-101 — 26-24-101) › Article 2 - Public Assistance (§§ 26-2-101 — 26-2-1104) › Part 7 - COLORADO WORKS PROGRAM (§§ 26-2-701 — 26-2-726) › Section 26-2-714 - County block grants formula - use of money - rules

(1)
(Deleted by amendment, L. 2008, p. 1967, § 15, effective January 1, 2009.)
(1.5)
Moneys appropriated by the general assembly to the county block grant line shall remain appropriated and available to counties pursuant to the procedures specified in this section.
(2)
Subject to available appropriations, in state fiscal year 2009-10 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the state department, with input from the works allocation committee, shall set the amount of the county block grants based on demographic and economic factors within the counties, including the amount a county spends on basic cash assistance grants and the county's TANF reserve balance.
(2.5)
In the event that the state department and the works allocation committee do not reach an agreement in setting the amounts of the county block grants pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section on or before June 15 of each state fiscal year, the works allocation committee shall submit alternatives to the joint budget committee of the general assembly from which the joint budget committee shall identify each individual county's block grant for the state fiscal year commencing on the immediately succeeding July 1.
(3)
Nothing in subsections (2) and (2.5) of this section shall prevent a county from transferring at any time during the fiscal year, pursuant to procedures established by the state department and the works allocation committee, a portion of the county's current federal TANF allocation to another county in exchange for an amount of county moneys equal to the maintenance of effort associated with the allocation.
(4)
The state department shall identify the portion of moneys in the county block grant that may be spent on administrative costs.
(5)
(a)
(I)
(A)
A county shall be authorized to maintain a reserve account of county block grant moneys pursuant to rules promulgated by the state department.
(B)
Pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (V) of paragraph (c) of subsection (6) of this section, upon the conclusion of state fiscal year 2010-11, and upon the conclusion of each state fiscal year thereafter, the works allocation committee may transfer to another county on or before November 1 of the succeeding fiscal year, any unspent county TANF reserves in excess of forty percent of the county's county block grant for the concluding state fiscal year. TANF reserves transferred to a county pursuant to this sub-subparagraph (B) shall be available to the county in the succeeding state fiscal year.
(C)
(Deleted by amendment, L. 2011, (SB 11-124), ch. 695, p. 695, § 1, effective May 19, 2011.)
(D)
If the works allocation committee transfers excess unspent TANF reserves pursuant to sub-subparagraph (B) of this subparagraph (I), the county from which the reserves are transferred shall receive appropriate maintenance of effort credit for those reserves. The county receiving the TANF reserves shall be responsible for providing an amount of county moneys equal to the maintenance of effort associated with the TANF reserves.
(E)
(Deleted by amendment, L. 2011, (SB 11-124), ch. 695, p. 695, § 1, effective May 19, 2011.)
(II)
Notwithstanding any provision of subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (a) to the contrary, in state fiscal year 2008-09, and in each state fiscal year thereafter, a county with an annual county block grant amount of two hundred thousand dollars or less shall make available to the works allocation committee for transfer to another county pursuant to the provisions of subparagraph (V) of paragraph (c) of subsection (6) of this section any unspent TANF reserves in excess of one hundred thousand dollars.
(III)
As used in this subsection (5), "unspent TANF reserves" means the amount deposited in a county reserve account plus any unspent TANF transfers authorized pursuant to this subsection (5) and subsections (7) and (9) of this section.
(IV)
(Deleted by amendment, L. 2011, (SB 11-124), ch. 695, p. 695, § 1, effective May 19, 2011.)
(b)
A county shall be required to maintain in such county's social services fund created pursuant to section
26-1-123
any county funds that were appropriated pursuant to section
26-2-716 (1)(a)
and section
26-1-122 (6)
in order to meet the targeted spending level required pursuant to subsection (6) of this section but not actually expended on the works program during the state fiscal year for which the county appropriated such funds.
(5.5)
(a)
The state department is authorized to segregate county block grant funds allocated under this section.
(b)
If the state department segregates county block grant funds as authorized under this subsection (5.5):
(I)
County departments shall report to the state expenditures they have made in a segregated manner, according to rules promulgated by the state board in accordance with applicable federal law;
(II)
The counties shall develop policies regarding the use of segregated funds under this subsection (5.5);
(III)
Funds shall be segregated in order to ensure maximum flexibility and to allow counties to provide additional assistance or services, in accordance with federal law.
(c)
Repealed.
(d)
The state board shall promulgate rules as necessary to implement this subsection (5.5).
(6)
(a)
Targeted spending levels.
For state fiscal year 1997-98 and each state fiscal year thereafter, a county's targeted spending level shall be an amount that meets or exceeds one hundred percent of the county's spending on AFDC, JOBS, and the administrative costs related to those programs in state fiscal year 1995-96.
(b)
Repealed.
(c)
Actual spending levels - 1998-99 and thereafter.
(I)
For state fiscal year 1998-99 and for each state fiscal year thereafter, all counties collectively shall be required to meet levels of spending on the works program that are set forth in the annual long appropriation act, subject to the provisions of subsection (8) of this section.
(II)
For state fiscal year 1998-99 and for each state fiscal year thereafter, each county's actual level of spending shall be identified by the works allocation committee created in subparagraph (IV) of this paragraph (c) no later than June 15 of each state fiscal year for the immediately succeeding state fiscal year. Prior to determining each county's actual spending level, the works allocation committee shall ensure that all counties have been notified of the recommended actual spending level and given an opportunity to provide comment on the recommendation. In the event that the works allocation committee does not reach an agreement on each individual county's actual level of spending for a state fiscal year on or before June 15 of such prior state fiscal year, the committee shall submit alternatives to the joint budget committee of the general assembly from which such joint budget committee shall identify each individual county's level of spending for a state fiscal year. The amount identified for a county's level of spending shall be identified in the county's performance contract with the state department entered into pursuant to section
26-2-715
.
(III)
The works allocation committee shall also identify the amount of mitigation that shall be allocated for a small county in accordance with the provisions of subsection (8) of this section. The works allocation committee may create a subcommittee that represents the interests of small counties as defined in subsection (8) of this section, which subcommittee may make recommendations concerning the mitigation amounts to be allocated for a small county pursuant to the provisions of subsection (8) of this section.
(IV)
There is hereby created the works allocation committee that shall consist of eleven members, eight of whom shall be appointed by a statewide association of counties and three of whom shall be appointed by the state department. Of the members appointed by the statewide association of counties, at least two members shall be from small or medium-sized counties, and at least three shall be from large counties. The appointing authorities shall consult with each other to ensure that the works allocation committee is representative of the counties in the state. A representative from the county that has the greatest percentage of the state's works caseload will automatically be appointed, which appointment shall be credited against the eight appointments allocated to the statewide association of counties. The works allocation committee shall develop its own operational procedures.
(V)
The works allocation committee shall determine the priority criteria for transfers of excess unspent TANF reserves to a county pursuant to sub-subparagraph (B) of subparagraph (I) of paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of this section and the amount of the transfers. With the goal of increasing the counties' minimum percentage reserve balances, the works allocation committee's priority criteria shall give first priority to transfers to counties that have no more than a ten percent balance in the county's TANF reserve account. If moneys remain after satisfying the first priority criterion, second priority shall be given to transfers to those counties whose TANF reserves are more than ten percent, but no more than twenty percent.
(7)
The county may transfer any amount of the county block grant that is designated as federal funds and that is specified by the state department as being available for transfer within the limitation imposed by the federal law on transfers of federal funds from the temporary assistance for needy families block grant to the child care development fund if child care funds are not available.
(8)
(a)
As used in this subsection (8), unless the context otherwise requires:
(I)
"Annual maximum mitigation amount" means that portion of the total amount of county funds identified in the annual long appropriation act that may be used for mitigation for small counties in that state fiscal year.
(II)
"Mitigation" means a specific reduction in a county's targeted spending level established pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of this section or a specific reduction in a county's actual spending level established pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection (6) of this section that is authorized pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (8). Mitigation can occur for targeted spending levels or actual spending levels or for both types of spending levels.
(III)
"Small county" means a county with less than thirty-eight one hundredths of one percent of the total caseload of the works program statewide. The state department, with input from the works allocation committee, shall determine what shall constitute the total caseload of the works program and the time at which such caseload shall be established.
(b)
Subject to the identification of an annual maximum mitigation amount in the annual long appropriation act and the criteria identified in paragraph (c) of this subsection (8), the works allocation committee created pursuant to subparagraph (IV) of paragraph (c) of subsection (6) of this section is authorized to identify the amount or amounts of any mitigation that shall be allocated to a small county in a specific state fiscal year. The works allocation committee shall notify the state department of any agreement concerning the allocation of any annual maximum mitigation amount in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (8).
(c)
The criteria that the works allocation committee shall use include but are not limited to the following:
(I)
The assessment of the equity of a small county's total program expenditures as they relate to the targeted or actual spending level for the small county;
(II)
The extent to which the small county will have insufficient revenues to meet its targeted or actual spending level; and
(III)
The extent to which the provision of any mitigation may enhance the efforts of a small county or group of small counties to regionalize pursuant to the provisions of section
26-2-718
.
(9)
(a)
For state fiscal year 1997-98, and for each state fiscal year thereafter, a county may transfer any amount of the county block grant that is designated as federal funds and that is specified by the state department as being available for transfer within the limitation imposed by the federal law on transfers of federal funds from the temporary assistance for needy families block grant to programs funded by Title XX of the federal social security act.
(b)
A county may make the transfer authorized by paragraph (a) of this subsection (9) only for expenditures that are allowable under programs funded by Title XX of the federal social security act, subject to the following provisions:
(I)
If the funds transferred are used for the provision of child welfare services as defined in section
26-5-101 (3)
, the county may only make the transfer:
(A)
After the county has made allowable expenditures of all funds in the county's capped or targeted allocation or allocations for child welfare services, other than for core services as referred to in section
26-5-101 (3)(f)
; and
(B)
For the expenditures for child welfare services other than out-of-home placement services as described in section
26-5-101 (3)(i)
.
(II)
A county shall not be required to appropriate funds to provide a county match pursuant to the provisions of section
26-1-122
for any funds transferred pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (9).
(III)
A county shall not be authorized to use funds transferred pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (9) for the purpose of supplanting funds that:
(A)
The county would otherwise be required to appropriate pursuant to section
26-1-122
in order to provide a county match for public assistance programs; or
(B)
The county would otherwise appropriate in order to continue the provision of services under a program of public assistance administered with county only funds in the prior fiscal year.
(c)
The state board shall promulgate rules governing procedures for transfers authorized pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (9).
(d)
A county may make a transfer authorized by subsection (9)(a) of this section, within the limitations imposed by state and federal law on such transfers, in order to fund various programs for the improvement of child care. The transfers may be used for minor remodeling of licensed child care facilities or facilities legally exempt from licensing requirements pursuant to section
26.5-5-304
, including but not limited to physical modifications for the purpose of licensure or accreditation, construction or improvement of fencing or other safety and security fixtures or other uses not prohibited under
42 U.S.C. sec. 1397d
.
(10)
(a)
If the state meets federal work participation rates and qualifies for a percent reduction in the state's maintenance of effort as specified in federal law for any year, the actual spending level for the works program of all counties collectively shall be reduced by the same amount as the amount of the reduction in the federal maintenance of effort requirement.
(b)
For the purposes of this subsection (10), "percent reduction" means the percent of reduction of historical expenditures as that term is defined in section 409 (7)(b) of the federal social security act, as amended.
(c)
For any year in which a percent reduction in the state's maintenance of effort requirement occurs, the works allocation committee created pursuant to subparagraph (IV) of paragraph (c) of subsection (6) of this section shall determine each county's share of the reduction in actual spending levels. Prior to making such determination, the works allocation committee shall ensure that all counties have been notified of the recommended reduction for each county and given an opportunity to provide comment on the recommendation. In the event that the works allocation committee does not reach an agreement on each individual county's reduction in actual spending levels, the committee shall submit alternatives to the joint budget committee of the general assembly from which such joint budget committee shall identify each individual county's reduction in actual spending levels. The state department is authorized to adjust each county's share of the reduction in actual spending levels. The state department is authorized to adjust each county's actual spending level for any percentage reduction earned in accordance with the determination of the works allocation committee concerning each county's share of the reduction.
(11)
The works allocation committee shall:
(a)
Review, at least quarterly, the balance of the Colorado long-term works reserve, the balance of the total statewide county TANF reserve, and the amount of basic cash assistance grants provided to participants to monitor whether the balance of the Colorado long-term works reserve will fall below twenty-five percent of the state block grant amount and whether the balance of the total statewide county TANF reserve will fall below fifteen percent of the county block grant amount;
(b)
Submit a written report to the joint budget committee detailing the current Colorado long-term works reserve level, the total statewide county TANF reserve level as a whole and by county, and any projections regarding deficits in the reserves; and
(c)
Establish a mitigation fund for counties whose TANF reserves fall below fifteen percent of the county's block grant amount.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 348, § 9, eff. 6/3/2022.
Amended by 2022 Ch. 123, § 95, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2013 Ch. 37, § 2, eff. 3/15/2013.
L. 97: Entire part added, p. 1208, § 1, effective June 3. L. 98: (9) added, p. 779, § 1, effective May 22; (2), (5), and (6) amended and (2.5) and (8) added, p. 1192, § 2, effective June 1. L. 2000: (2), (5)(a), (6)(c)(II), (7), (8)(a)(II), (8)(c), and (9)(a) amended and (10) added, p. 280, § 3, effective March 31; (9)(c) added, p. 36, § 1, effective May 14. L. 2002: (5.5) added, p. 141, § 1, effective March 27; (5)(a) amended, p. 281, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2004: (5)(a) amended, p. 369, § 1, effective July 1; (6)(b) repealed, p. 204, § 24, effective August 4. L. 2007: (5.5)(c) repealed, p. 123, § 1, effective August 3. L. 2008: (1), (2), (2.5), and (5)(a) amended, p. 1967, § 15, effective 1/1/2009. L. 2011: (1.5) and (6)(c)(V) added and (3) and (5)(a) amended, (SB 11-124), ch. 183, pp. 695, 697, §§ 1, 2, effective May 19. L. 2013: (6)(c)(IV), (HB 13-1087), ch. 37, p. 106, § 2, effective March 15.