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Waunakee CDA approves paying contractors directly from Betterment Fund to ease upfront cost for homeowners
Summary
The Waunakee Community Development Authority voted to update the Waunakee Housing Betterment Fund policy to make grants disbursed directly to contractors ("last dollar in") rather than reimbursing homeowners, a change intended to reduce upfront costs for awardees.
The Waunakee Community Development Authority voted on Feb. 12, 2025 to amend the Waunakee Housing Betterment Fund disbursement policy so grant payments will go directly to contractors as the "last dollar in," rather than reimbursing homeowners after work is completed.
Lauren, a staff member, told the CDA staff examined other programs — citing the City of Menasha as a model — and concluded that paying contractors directly is less burdensome for applicants who otherwise would need to front costs. "The only thing that we're changing is that it's a disbursement grant direct to the contractor instead of a reimbursement grant to the awardee," Lauren said. She added the change does not alter the award calculation.
A member asked whether there was a concern that a grantee would not pay their half of project costs. Lauren said grantees must provide an invoice showing they have paid up to the grant amount and confirmed the grant will remain the "last dollar in." Tricia Brown, a CDA member, thanked staff for the research and said she supported the change as a way to benefit homeowners.
A motion to update the Waunakee Housing Betterment Fund GRAMA policy materials as presented at the Feb. 12, 2025 CDA meeting passed by voice vote with all members present voting aye.
