Minutes 05-28-2020 Virtual Budget Work Session

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7 • Transferred from County Manager's Office to Housing & Community Development • Two (2.0 FTE) HUD Supported Positions for Coordinated Entry • One (1.0) Housing Access Coordinator Funded Through Partnership • Conversion of Temporary Employee Funding to Create 0.625 FTE Administrative Support Commissioner Dorosin referred to the local voucher program, and said he thought the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had voted to move the money out of this program. Travis Myren said that was 2019-20 money. Commissioner Dorosin said he thought the BOCC was going to re-visit the requirements for this program. Travis Myren said that is correct, and Emila Sutton and her team are revising the requirements. Commissioner Dorosin asked if this will come back to the BOCC in early fall. Emila Sutton said yes, she will be bringing revised requirements back in the fall. Commissioner Dorosin referred to the homelessness issues, and said the BOCC had a presentation from Corey Root, Partnership to End Homelessness (PTEH) Coordinator, who said rapid housing was a priority. He said the BOCC had talked about putting more money toward these efforts, and he is open to trying to find monies for these low hanging fruits. He asked if there are highest priority items, in the mission to eliminate homelessness, or is the number they need too high. Emila Sutton said right now, some of those gaps are going to be filled from funds from the Cares Act, and staff will need to reassess their priorities once this funding comes down. She said staff is waiting for some grant funding, and is working with the Criminal Justice Resource Department on filling some gaps. Commissioner Dorosin suggested she do this, and come back to the Board. He said the BOCC was in favor of allocating more funds into these programs, as well as some of the other partners with the PTEH. He said the gaps seemed attainable to fill, and would have significant impact. He said he would hate to lose momentum. Emila Sutton said staff will be sure to keep the BOCC up to date, and not lose momentum. She said there is a high volume of people coming through coordinated entry, and all hands are on deck to deal with this new surge of need. Bonnie Hammersley said Corey Root's presentation promoted a phased in approach, which has begun with some new HUD funded positions this year, as well as some funds for rapid rehousing. She said these additions are significant, and are in line with phase one of the plan. Commissioner Marcoplos referred to the urgent repair and rehab program, and asked if there is an average cost in these programs Emila Sutton said urgent repair is $8500-$10,000, and single-family rehab is $30,000 and up, and depends greatly on the project. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if staff ever screens for age, members in the household, etc. Emila Sutton said yes, urgent repair funding factor in these variables. Commissioner Greene referred to homelessness, and underscored the street outreach program for which some of the CARES act funds will be used. She said this has been a huge priority, and it is great to see it getting underway. She agreed with Bonnie Hammersley that strides are being made in the area of homelessness. Commissioner Price referred to the new position in homelessness, and asked if the costs be split with the towns.