Green Bay Housing Authority approves budget, audit contract and civil-rights certification; staff updates Mason Manor and redevelopment projects

The Green Bay Housing Authority on Thursday approved its operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, awarded a three-year audit contract to Hawkins Ash with options for renewals, and adopted the authority’s annual Civil Rights certification required by HUD.

The actions: The board adopted the operating budget resolution (resolution 2025-02), approved a contract with Hawkins Ash for audits covering 2025–2027 with two one-year renewal options, and adopted the annual Civil Rights certification (resolution 2025-03). The approvals were made by voice vote during the authority’s regular meeting.

Why it matters: The budget establishes the authority’s operating plan and anticipated revenues and expenses for the coming year; the audit award complies with HUD requirements for independent annual audits; the civil-rights certification fulfills HUD-mandated assurances of nondiscrimination.

Key budget and finance points raised in discussion: - Revenue from bonding: Staff noted that if the Monroe Plaza bond proceeds move forward, the authority would receive additional annual revenue (presented as roughly $27,000 per year in materials) and that some revenue may be reallocated to the COCC (central office cost center) to cover overhead. - Outstanding bonds: Staff said the authority currently has three bonds outstanding, including two associated with University Village (a 2020 refinancing for about $5.2 million and a 2023 transaction referenced at about $38.4 million) and the Gateway Collective (roughly $12 million), and that details of existing bond payments are managed by the bond borrowers. - Audit procurement: Staff said the authority issued an RFP and received a single proposal; the annual audit fee for 2025 was stated as $17,000. Board members commented that audit fees have risen across the sector since COVID.

Redevelopment and operations updates from staff: - Mason Manor: Staff reported ongoing lease-up activity tied to the facility’s renovation. Since Jan. 1 the authority recorded 30 new tenants and 23 transfers at Mason Manor, with additional groups of new move‑ins scheduled in July and August; staff said the site had three currently available units and several more in process pending inspections. Staff also reported bed‑bug inspections showed the building was bed‑bug free for the third consecutive quarter. - Upcoming projects: Staff said a development agreement is planned for review by the Redevelopment Authority for a proposed 41-unit single-family subdivision on Deutsche (near Morrill), and a developer is planning a 95-unit workforce project near Imperial Lane tied to the JBS site. The authority also noted the “Fort” project on Broadway (part of the railyard development) will hold a grand opening on July 1. - Community land trust work: A staff member reported serving on a start-up committee that drafted bylaws and policies to pilot a community land trust in partnership with NeighborWorks; the committee recommended moving forward and the group will work on funding and operational details.

Board action and procedural notes: Each resolution was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Board members asked routine questions about the budget spreadsheets and the treatment of Mason Manor in the accounting materials; staff said some line items appear as zeros because spreadsheets retain older line headings tied to properties that have since closed out.

What’s next: Staff said the authority will continue to monitor bond and tax-credit timelines for Monroe Plaza, finalize audit contract paperwork with Hawkins Ash, and bring redevelopment agreements back to the redevelopment authority and GBHA as required.