Harrington explores CDBG eligibility; consultant recommends low-to-moderate income survey and quick pre-application round

City consultants and staff outlined steps Harrington could take to pursue Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce, including a recommended low-to-moderate-income (LMI) survey to challenge recent census-tract data that reduced the city's measured share of LMI residents.

Garrett Nordstrom of Governmental Assistant Services, the consultant working with the city, told commissioners the city was previously above the 51% LMI threshold needed for a citywide CDBG national objective but that recent census-tract data reduced that figure to about 46.5%. "The city was above 51% low to moderate income, but the new census tract data numbers dropped ... and is now at 46.5%," Nordstrom said. He recommended conducting a state-approved random-sample LMI survey rather than a full door-to-door count; the Department of Commerce would select addresses from a city-supplied customer list for a sample of roughly 300 households (the Department gives an expanded list of 600 addresses to reach the sample target).

Nordstrom outlined timing and costs the commission should consider: the Department of Commerce's open application round opens May 1, the consultant suggested beginning the survey immediately, and he estimated the survey cost at roughly $12,000 and a one-time application fee of about $89.50. He said the survey results typically remain valid until the next census release and that the city could reuse the same survey and application in subsequent rounds if an initial application is not funded.

Commissioners and staff discussed what kinds of projects would be competitive if the city qualifies, including park improvements, community centers, fire stations, water projects and sidewalks. Nordstrom said community facilities grants can be up to $650,000 for a city Harrington's size and noted that the program now operates as an open round (applications may be accepted continuously from May 1 until funds are exhausted, with a quick pre-application screening process).

He described match requirements and costs that affect competitiveness: for this round the minimum local match is 20 percent (though a 50/50 match scores better in selection). CDBG can pay for engineering and architectural costs, but that can trigger a required qualifications process (RFQ) so the city would not always be able to select its preferred firm. Nordstrom recommended engaging a professional team for the survey and application process because residents are more likely to share confidential income information with a third-party surveyor than with city staff.

No formal Commission action was taken; city staff said they would return with cost estimates and recommendations for whether to begin the survey this year or include it in next year's budget.