Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the transfer and expenditure of $190,000 for the provision of grants for projects that preserve and increase the local supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for low-income families. The source of funding is the Community Development Block Grant fund awarded to the City by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund represents the City's commitment to the preservation and production of housing units affordable to very-low, low and moderate-income individuals. Eligible households must meet the HUD income eligibility requirements of 80% AMI or below. Funds will be used to meet the housing needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. Programs will provide housing rehabilitation assistance for single family homes of homeowners and qualified tenants. Funds will be used to provide eligible households with assistance for essential home repairs and/or home modifications through the Home Safe and Sound and Home Modification Programs in order to preserve the housing stock and enable households to remain in their homes. Both programs will operate within city of Columbus corporate limits.
Emergency action is requested to avoid interruptions in vital program services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding is from the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to provide grant assistance for the affordable housing projects administered by the Housing Division under the Affordable Housing Opportunity Program, including the Home Modification Program and the Home Safe and Sound Program; to authorize the transfer and expenditure of $190,000.00 within the Community Development Block Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($190,000.00) (AMENDED BY ORD. 0519-2016 PASSED 3/14/2016)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Development, Housing Division desires to administer an Affordable Housing Opportunity Program; and
WHEREAS, this legislation authorizes the transfer and expenditure of $190,000.00 for the provision of grants for projects that preserve and increase the local supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for low-income families; and
WHEREAS, the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund represents the City's commitment to the preservation and production of housing units affordable to very-low, low and moderate-income individuals; and
WHEREAS, funds will be used to meet the housing needs identified in the Consolidated Plan; and
WHEREAS, these funds will provide eligible households with assistance for essential home repairs and/or home modifications through the Home Safe and Sound and Home Modification Programs in order to preserve the housing stock and enable households to remain in their homes; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development, Housing Division, in that it is immediately necessary to transfer and expend the aforementioned grant funds to avoid interruptions in the delivery of vital program services, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to provide grant assistance for the affordable housing projects administered by the Housing Division under the Affordable Housing Opportunity Program, including the Home Modification Program and the Home Safe and Sound Program.
Section 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer $190,000.00 within the Community Development Block Grant Fund, Fund No. 248, Division 44-10 as follows:
FROM: Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3336, OCA Code 443236
TO: Object Level One 05, Object Level Three 5517, OCA Code 443236
Section 3. That for the purpose as stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $190,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized from the Department of Development, Division 44-10, Fund 248, Object Level One 05, OCA Code 443236, Object Level Three 5517.
Section 4. That expenditure of funds from this authorization will be in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulations 24 CFR Part 570.200-206, CDBG Eligibility.
Section 5. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
Section 6. That in the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part thereof, this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.