Housing authority reports turnover and maintenance backlog; schedules HCV hearing as voucher shortfall looms

The Queen Anne's County Housing Authority reported rising unit turnover, ongoing maintenance and rehab needs and scheduled a public hearing on proposed changes to its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) administrative plan to address a projected voucher shortfall.

Executive Director (name not specified) told board members the authority is seeing an above-normal level of tenant moves and a number of residents passing away, which contributed to vacancies. He said occupancy at Foxtown was about 93% (7% vacant) and at Terrapin Grove about 96% (4% vacant), and staff aim to turn vacant units in under a month when feasible. "We're really trying to focus on safety and quality of life as opposed to being extremely nitpicky," the executive director said, describing a balanced enforcement approach that prioritizes safety and serious lease violations over minor rule enforcement.

The authority is handling several maintenance- and safety-driven rehabs. Staff reported a scattered-site unit on Kent Island failed inspection and will require costly repairs; the resident was relocated to an inspectable unit while quotes are gathered. At Fisher Manor major renovations are underway; a playground replacement is scheduled to begin May 19, and deck replacement drawings have been received from the engineering firm REI, which will support the bidding phase. Staff said common problems in older buildings include rotten wood, sagging floor joists, leaking and water damage and damaged flooring.

On budgets and outside support, the authority said it has begun using $75,000 in state funding for a Maryland state voucher program to expand local vouchers; staff estimate that will create roughly four to five additional Housing Choice Vouchers, and county staff are preparing the waiting list for awards. The authority also told the board that it has heard national press and association reports about possible HUD staffing reductions but said HUD has been responsive when the authority sought help with complicated cases.

To address an HCV funding gap, the authority is proposing amendments to its HCV administrative plan that would limit how much landlords may raise contract rents under the voucher program; the board was told the next step is a public hearing scheduled for June 4 at 11:30 a.m. in the Kramer Center conference room. The Executive Director said the change is one of the steps HUD recommended to help cover a projected shortfall for vouchers.

On finances and oversight, the authority said it has decided to engage CliftonLarsonAllen for auditing services; staff said the firm has a dedicated housing-authority audit team and some technical-assistance capacity. The authority also reported that final steps are underway to close the previously approved sale of the administrative property at 205 East Water Street, with staff estimating net proceeds of about $135,000 after repair costs when the sale closes in mid-May.

Board business included routine approvals. A motion to accept the minutes of the March 10, 2025 meeting was made and seconded and was approved by the board. The meeting closed by motion later in the agenda.

Why it matters: The combination of rising turnover, backlog of rehab work at aging properties and a projected HCV shortfall affects current tenants' living conditions and the authority's capacity to maintain units. The scheduled public hearing on June 4 will be a required procedural step before the authority adopts administrative-plan changes meant to manage the voucher budget.

What’s next: Staff will continue to collect rehab quotes on failed-inspection properties, advance capital work at Fisher Manor, complete the administrative-property sale closing and present the HCV administrative plan amendments at the June 4 public hearing.