Tenant advocate tells council Live Oak housing authority board lacks required meetings, tenant access suffers

Advocates and tenants raised concerns at the City of Live Oak meeting that the local housing authority board has not met with the frequency required by its rules, creating access problems for tenants and limiting the board’s ability to act.

Anita Williams, speaking with a tenant present, said she has visited the housing authority multiple times and found meetings canceled or lacking quorum. “The board does not have the number of meetings required by them throughout the year,” Williams said, describing repeated attempts by tenants to get assistance. She said she and a tenant, Karen, had made calls seeking advocacy but found the board’s irregular meeting schedule obstructed timely action.

Council members discussed the authority of the mayor to appoint and remove housing authority board members; one speaker (identified in the meeting as Adam D.) noted that the mayor has appointment and removal authority. Council members asked for clarification on how to ensure the board meets its required schedule and suggested staff follow up to confirm board composition, meeting frequency and options for improving tenant access.

Why it matters: regular meetings and an active board are necessary for the housing authority to handle tenant grievances, manage property maintenance and meet administrative obligations. Witnesses said inconsistent meetings have left tenants without timely recourse.

Outcome: the transcript records public comment and council questioning; no formal motions or votes about the housing authority were recorded in the excerpt provided. Council members asked staff to follow up and to gather more information about meeting frequency and board membership.

Next steps: staff to confirm the housing authority’s meeting schedule, membership and quorum status and to report back to council so the body can decide if further action or appointments are needed.