TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Samuel A. May, City Manager
DATE: February 6, 2019
Title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION - MAXIMUM ALLOCATION FOR HOME REPAIR AND HOME PURCHASE ASSISTANCE
Body
BACKGROUND: At the January 23, 2019 Commission meeting, consensus was given to bring back for discussion and possible action, a reduction in the maximum allocation for grant funded home repair and purchase assistance.
* The current maximum allocation for home repair via the SHIP program is $25,000 including service delivery costs. Service delivery costs can vary and reduce the amount by up to 15% from what can be used to fund home repairs and direct purchase assistance. The amount for purchase assistance and home repair via the CDBG and HOME program is a maximum allocation of $40,000.
o Staff recommends that a maximum allocation be determined that does not include service delivery costs. This will make it clear and consistent as to what direct benefit can be received by each homeowner.
o Based upon guidance and backup (attached) provided by Broward County, staff does not recommend a reduction in the allocation. As an alternative to a reduction of the allocation for all recipients, staff recommends that the Commission consider full funding for very-low and special needs recipients, and varying reductions in the allocations for low and moderate income recipients.
* Program documents provide for leveraging of funds. This could allow an individual homeowner to receive a total allocation that is more than the maximum per grant fund. Leveraging of other sources of funding is encouraged by funding agencies but is at the discretion of the City.
o Staff recommends that rather than eliminating leveraging, that a maximum amount of leveraged funds be determined by the City Commission. This will allow for instances where a small addition of funds from another source could make the difference in whether a large item, such as storm windows, can be completed.
* Changes to th...
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