Community Development Advisory Committee recommends funding priorities; city outlines CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP uses
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Summary
The CDAC presented recommended awards for CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP funds and explained program limits, with staff noting public services are capped at 15% of entitlement. The city opened a comment period; council will consider final awards July 15.
KILLEEN, Texas — The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) presented its recommended funding slate June 3, and city staff described how the city proposes to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds in the coming program year.
Johnny Frederick, CDAC chair, told the council the committee reviewed competitive applications and recommended $202,510.50 for public services, the maximum 15% allowed under HUD rules. "We had about $270,000 in requests and $202,510.50 to recommend funding on," Frederick said while outlining awards to local nonprofits.
City staff said the program-year 2025 entitlement is $1,350,070, with $40,375.09 identified for reprogramming. Staff explained spending limits and categories: approximately 65% of CDBG was proposed for housing, public facilities, improvements and code enforcement; 20% was set aside for program administration. For CDBG public services, staff recited recommended awards including partial salary support for several nonprofit positions and a recommendation to fund Meals on Wheels and other senior services.
In the HOME program, staff said $545,001.73 was available and recommended $408,751.29 for affordable housing activities, $81,750.26 for CHDO set-aside and $54,500.18 for administration. The CDAC recommended a $200,000 housing rehabilitation allocation for lead abatement and accessibility improvements, and recommended park improvements for Connor and Marlborough parks at a recommended $591,473.95 for park work drawn from CDBG-eligible activities.
On HOME-ARP, staff outlined the permitted uses and percentages: up to 40% for supportive services, 28% for acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter, 11% for development of affordable rental housing, 6% for tenant-based rental assistance and 15% for administration and planning. Staff and CDAC recommended not funding a Hilltop Recovery Ministries application for a proposed inpatient congregate program because HOME-ARP cannot support that activity and because the applicant would serve mostly residents of another city.
Public commenters praised the CDAC's vetting process and urged transparency. Michael Ferino commended the presentation: "That is absolutely what right looks like," he said of the vetting process. Maureen Jewett of Bridal Everyone in the Zone thanked the council for the CDAC recommendation and described the nonprofit's track record serving veterans and providing housing and utility assistance. Melissa Brown urged prioritizing lead abatement and replacing private water lines in low-income areas and questioned CDBG spending on park amenities when other infrastructure needs exist.
Staff reiterated that the final decisions on funding rest with the council and that the public comment period runs June 9 through July 15; council will be asked to take action on July 15. Drafts of the consolidated plan and action plan are available at City Hall, community-development offices, both public libraries, the Lions Club Park Senior Center and online at KilleenTexas.gov/289/community-development. If adopted, staff plans to submit the consolidated plan and year-one action plan to HUD by Aug. 15 and to execute HUD agreements by Oct. 1.
