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Harrington approves sample low-to-moderate-income survey to qualify for more CDBG grants
Summary
The commission approved a contract to conduct a sample low-to-moderate-income (LMI) survey so the city can apply for non-emergency CDBG projects; the survey will be funded from the capital improvement fund and is expected to be completed about 45 days after kickoff.
The commission approved contracting Governmental Assistance Services to conduct a sample low-to-moderate-income (LMI) survey that the city intends to use to qualify for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects beyond urgent-needs awards.
Staff said the state (Kansas Department of Commerce) granted tentative approval to use a statistically valid sample survey rather than a full census for LMI determination and that the consultant had worked with Commerce to define acceptable sample parameters. The contract approved by the commission calls for a payment of $15,600 from the city's capital improvement fund to begin the survey; staff said the consultant will begin work upon receipt of the contract payment and expects to finish in roughly 45 days.
Commissioners asked about the sample size and how many housing units would be included. Staff said the exact sample size would be determined in accordance with Commerce's guidance and that conversational estimates cited during the meeting put the sample in the low hundreds (roughly 200'300 households) depending on the number of households in the city. Staff pledged to follow up with the commission by email with the precise sample size and methodology.
The motion to contract for the sample LMI survey passed on a roll call that showed Commissioner Scarf voting no and the other commissioners and the mayor voting aye. Staff said having a valid LMI determination would allow the city to compete for a broader range of CDBG funding, potentially enabling projects (park bathrooms, infrastructure repairs, etc.) with grant awards up to $650,000 depending on the program and match requirements.
