Board approves administration contract for $550,000 owner‑occupied housing grant

At the March 12 meeting, the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Administrative Resources to administer an owner‑occupied housing grant awarded by the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs. The grant award totals $500,000; the county had committed a $50,000 local match, making total project funds $550,000.

“Last year you had also committed 50,000 of local match to the project. So the total project cost is gonna be 550,000,” Carrie of Administrative Resources told commissioners and described the contract the agency presented for signature. Carrie said staff have completed an initial environmental review and will do a second-tier environmental review that includes consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and flood-plain checks.

Administrative Resources has begun scoring applications and has contacted roughly 15–20 applicants to gather income documentation, proof of ownership, insurance, and paid property-tax records. Carrie said inspections will be scheduled after 5–10 homeowners are approved to move forward; inspectors will assess roofs, HVAC, water heaters and accessibility needs. She also said HUD requires radon testing for each assisted home and that radon mitigation will be included in bid packages when tests are positive.

Commissioners voted to approve the contract; the motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Administrative Resources will proceed with applicant intake, environmental clearances and inspections under the signed contract; commissioners approved the contract by voice vote.