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Approval of Resolutions Establishing Fair Market Rental Rates and Utility Rates for Housing Choice Voucher Program February 4, 2015 Page 12 The Housing Choice Voucher Program is designed to benefit all participants. Private providers that own multi or single family homes apply to the County Rental Assistance for participation. The units are inspected and approved for the Voucher program. Upon approval, private owners qualify for tax incentives that make participation in the program profitable. It should be pointed out that the County owns no Voucher program housing. The low income participant also benefits from the program by obtaining safe, clean housing at an affordable price in a dignified manner. An interested low income, full time resident must apply to the County Housing Department. If the resident qualifies, they are given a list of available units to visit. The owners of the units have agreed to accept the Fair Market Rental rates as determined by Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in exchange for the tax breaks and the payment of rents directly from the County. Upon selection of a unit, the qualified applicant meets again with the Housing Department in order to determine their portion of the rent that will be responsible for paying directly to the landlord and whether they qualify for financial assistance with utilities. After working out the financial details, the tenant signs a lease with the landlord, the County Housing Department processes the necessary paperwork with the state and federal agencies and the landlord receives a monthly rental check directly from the County with the remainder paid by the tenant. The County benefits from the Voucher Program by receiving a $70.00 processing fee from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The County's Comprehensive Plan objective of providing housing to low and very low income citizens is met by Voucher Program participation. The annual rental rates for our area are established each year by HUD. Those rates must be approved by the County as it is acting as a participant in the Voucher Program. The resolutions approving annual rental rates for Fiscal Years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 are attached for the Board's consideration. Similarly, utility rates for water, sewer, gas, electric, and propane must be approved by the Board. Since those rates have not changed significantly in the past 4 years, only one utility resolution must be considered by the Board. Funding: There is no funding associated with these resolutions. Recommendation. Staff recommends the Board approve the 4 resolutions setting the Fair Market Values for Fiscal Years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 together with approving the utility rate resolution for the same time period and authorize the Chairman to execute the resolutions on behalf of the Board. Copies to: Stan Boling, Community Development Director Robin Miller, Housing Program Manager 043)