Hope Housing Authority April Meeting

The first three were revisions of this year’s budget, given costs and revenues were different than expected. This is to bring it in line with actual expenses. Some more money was saved in some areas and less in other areas. Salaries were more than expected, administrative services were $93,000 higher, and utilities were $55,000 higher. Maintenance was $143,000 less. Overall, HACOH (Housing Authority of the City of Hope) did $99,000 better than the original budget.

For multifamily units, rent income decreased due to vacancies and unit turnover.

Training of staff was an added cost.

The budget for maintenance was $16,000 less than expected.

Section 8 had a $4,500 profit for the year.

Motions passed to approve the operating budget revisions for Low-income Public Housing, Multifamily, and Housing Choice Vouchers.

For the next fiscal year, the total amount for salaries will drop by $67,000, and administration services will drop by $63,000. Utilities will be up by $61,000, and maintenance $16,000 less. A few positions in staff have been eliminated.

This coming year, there will be less of a deficit – $12,000 for multi-family instead of $80,000 in the current year. The difference is due to casualty loss not covered by insurance in 2024.

Motions were passed to approve the operating budgets of the low-income public Housing, Multifamily, and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8.)

A pet policy for Multifamily (Kelly Homes) was proposed and passed. The policy covers the size of pets, breed exclusions, sanitation, and compliance with City of Hope Ordinance No. 1459. Executive Director Zach Hicks mentioned even if they are service animals the city still requires spaying and neutering as well as registration. Tenants who don’t comply could face eviction.

The Housing Authority creates a 5-year plan as well as an annual plan. There may be revisions to the 5-year plan. The current one has had goals added to it.

There will be reports from department heads, including notice of 215 applicants to Section 8.

For the Executive Report, Hicks said he was still waiting for information on insurance as the numbers are still being compiled.  Hicks also spoke about the resignations of HUD’s Little Rock field office staff, with future contacts being out of the Oklahoma field office.

There has been no information on the Capital Fund 2025 grant. This is funding used for capital projects and upgrades.

Pest policies will be introduced soon, possibly at the next meeting.

The audit was presented to the board, and Hicks said the audit was the most complex one he has been involved with.

The meeting adjourned then adjourned.