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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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Department of Housing
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DATE:
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Sept. 12, 2007
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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October 2, 2007
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors, (Sitting as the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority)
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FROM:
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Duane Bay, Director, Department of Housing
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SUBJECT:
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Resolution authorizing Implementation of Revision of the Utility Allowance Schedule
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution 639-C authorizing the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo to implement the revised Utility Allowance Schedules for residents of its Public Housing developments and for participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Offering a full range of housing choices.
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Goal(s): #9. Housing exists for people of all income levels and for all generations of families.
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BACKGROUND:
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Utility Allowance Schedules are used in both the Public Housing Program and the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program to adjust the portion of rent due by program participants. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations determine the methodology for calculating utility allowances and require that the schedules be reviewed annually. HUD requires that Utility Allowance Schedules be approved by the Board of Commissioners.
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DISCUSSION:
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The Housing Authority engaged a consultant to determine its revised Utility Allowance Schedules. In general, the revisions show a large increase in gas rates for low income individuals. Implementation of these increased rates will result in a corresponding decrease in the tenant portion of rents. The new rates were discussed at the August 2007 public housing tenant association meetings. The Board’s action will authorize the Executive Director to implement the new schedules effective November 1, 2007.
It appears that in prior years any utility allowance schedule adjustments were not processed through the Board of Commissioners. These schedules are being processed by current Housing Authority management in a manner that will assurance compliance with all applicable standards.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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There is no Net County Cost associated with this action.
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