Hope Housing Authority Board Meets

The Hope Housing Authority (HACOH) held a board meeting in its conference room on Thursday (2-20) at noon. Two commissioners were absent. The agenda and minutes from the two previous meetings were approved. There was a regular meeting on January 23rd and a special called one on February 7th. The called meeting covered personnel.

In February’s regular meeting, a motion was passed to consolidate the tenant accounts receivable write-offs into one list. This list dates to June and includes $86,000 owed by previous tenants. HACOH will try to collect state tax refunds to offset the cost.

For staff reports, Mr. Huggins made a Financial Report in which he mentioned a meeting with HUD regarding the shortfall status of the HCV (Housing Choice Voucher) program last week. It was determined that HACOH’s HCV program would remain in shortfall for 2025, with no additional vouchers being issued. Shortfall exists when the authority is in a position where budgeted HAP dollars and HUD–Held Reserves (HHRs) can no longer cover necessary HAP outlays for landlords. This issue is caused by previous years of under leasing and funds being recaptured and reallocated to better-performing agencies. Shortfall funding allows agencies to cover HAP expenses without removing people from the program to stay within the budget, also allowing the agency to assist more families.

Zach Hicks gave the executive report. He noted he is still working on quotes for the units burned at Hopewell Loop in November 2024. He is waiting on written quotes to determine replacement costs before finalizing the proof of loss form and accepting payment.

In public housing, there are some vacancies. Hicks said 38 units are vacant, with 18 units ready for occupancy, 15 under contract for modernization/capital needs, 2 in Casualty Loss due to fire, and 3 being turned around by HACOH personnel.

Hicks spoke about the Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) score coming in May. HUD uses PHAS every two years to score housing authorities to ensure adequate performance for long-term sustainability. The indicators used are physical, financial, management, and capital funds with a total possible score of 100. The ratings can be troubled, substandard, standard, or high performer. HACOH’s last PHAS score was in November 2022, and the rating was substandard.

The exterior renovation at Yerger Terrace is nearing completion and the final punch list items are being addressed. Weather delays and logistic issues for the contractor have contributed to the delay but it is expected to be finished within a few weeks.

HACOH will have auditors onsite March 4th and 5th conducting their annual audit for the fiscal year July 2023 through June 30, 2024. HUD encourages the authority to change auditors from time to time. HACOH has engaged a new auditor to comply and expects there may be additional findings due to concerns the previous audits may not have been as thorough.

There was an executive session.

A special meeting will be held on March 5th to discuss personnel and the audit.

The meeting adjourned.