09-24-1984 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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if. Budget The budget for the total West Hennepin Energy Assists Program will bp. found on the following pages. Administrative reiumbursemen. for this program is earned on a per -application basis. This year we have been able to e, ierste more appli- cations than anticipated; therefore, additional funds were put Into the budget. Some of these funds are being used to purchase a microcomputer and software to assist with planning, program management and administration. Additional funds will be used for other activities to make start-up for 1984-85 more efficient. Analysis The data reported above is not sufficient to allow for specific conclusions to be drawn. Coupled with past experience though, it does provide certain Indica- tions which planning for next year should address. 1. The use of the prograr by people over 60 years of age has leveled off, but is still 8% lower .ban two years ago. Much of this may be attributed to the feeling of the elderly that if they do no, need the program, they ahopld not use it. Outreach to this group should be expanded. 2. The increase in natural gas users contributed to a trend start J the previous Year, and could be attributable to better outreach of the program, or to higher rates of assistance for gas and the continued deteriorated economic situation for some families. Recommendations I. Outreach efforts need to be strengthened with special targeting towards the elderly. 2. Special efforts may be needed to make potential applicants in the western communities of the area aware of the program and to increase the convenience for applying. This could include scheduling dates in each community on a rotating basis. This was initiated last year by using an application site in St. Bonifacius.