Q&A
Implementation details and timeline for human services COLA
7:44:48
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108 sec
Council Member Farías inquires about the implementation timeline and details of the human services cost of living adjustment (COLA) with OMB Director Jiha. The discussion covers the expected start date, calculation of allocated amounts, and restrictions on fund usage.
- OMB is working to implement the COLA by July 1st
- The COLA calculation includes fringe benefits and indirect costs
- Funds are intended for salary increases and associated fringe costs for eligible employees
Amanda Farías
7:44:48
And what's the timeline for implementation?
Jacques Jiha
7:44:51
They're currently working on it.
7:44:53
Okay.
7:44:54
As and, we're trying to, you know, be as as quick as we can in terms of implementation, but the implementation is on there.
7:45:03
We were working with the providers, working with every player to make sure that, you know, we get this done as quickly as possible.
Amanda Farías
7:45:10
Okay.
7:45:10
Do we know if it'll be at any point in this year?
Jacques Jiha
7:45:13
I can't give you a specific I don't wanna commit something that, you know.
Amanda Farías
7:45:19
Okay.
7:45:19
So will the cola be included in contracted provider budgets for the fiscal year 2025 so that providers can pay the increases for their staff starting on July 1st?
Jacques Jiha
7:45:28
Just told me they're trying to get it done by, July 1st.
Amanda Farías
7:45:34
Okay.
7:45:34
Great.
7:45:34
And how is the total amount allocated to a provider calculated?
7:45:38
Does this total amount only include the increased wages, or does it also include fringe costs that the providers might incur?
Jacques Jiha
7:45:47
The calculation include, not only fringe, but also indirect weight as well.
Amanda Farías
7:45:53
Sorry.
7:45:53
Can you repeat that?
Jacques Jiha
7:45:54
It includes the fringe and indirect weight.
Amanda Farías
7:45:56
Includes perfect.
7:45:58
Thank you.
7:45:58
And then under the workforce enhancement providers, they were given flexibility on what PS expenses they use additional funding for.
7:46:05
The funds were not always used to provide, across the board salary increases for employees.
7:46:10
Will providers be required to allocate these additional funds solely for salary increases to all eligible employees and not for any other costs?
Jacques Jiha
7:46:21
I think it's, any cost that is any fringe that is associated with salary.
Amanda Farías
7:46:27
Okay.
7:46:27
So it's salary only?
Jacques Jiha
7:46:28
Yeah.
7:46:29
Fringe any fringe associated with salary would be covered.
Amanda Farías
7:46:32
Thank you, chair.
7:46:33
I have a few more questions.
7:46:35
Thank you so much.
