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Commission approves CDBG nonprofit grants amid questions about recipients; Dawn Center and United Way discussed
Summary
Hernando County approved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to several nonprofits for public‑service activities after debate over eligibility, auditing and program content. Two applications were withdrawn or found ineligible; some commissioners expressed objections to specific organizations.
The Board voted July 8 to approve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations for nonprofit public‑service activities, after staff detailed HUD eligibility rules and the scoring process. The funds are part of the county’s entitlement allocation and must meet HUD public‑service criteria serving low‑ and moderate‑income residents.
What the board approved: Following staff presentations and questions about organizational eligibility and audits, the commissioners approved awards to organizations that met HUD rules and internal scoring. Notably, Jericho Road withdrew an application after HUD clarified vehicle purchases were not an eligible expense; another applicant (Rise Empowerment Center) did not meet eligibility and withdrew. The board approved funding for the Arc Nature Coast and the YMCA among other items, and authorized staff to return with further disbursement details and monitoring.
Controversy and clarification: Multiple commissioners raised concerns about awarding CDBG money to organizations that some residents and elected members have criticized for political activities or policies. Commissioner Champion said he would not vote to fund certain recipients; other commissioners and staff stressed HUD rules and monitoring requirements. County housing staff said HUD had pre‑funded the county’s CDBG entitlement and that grantees’ uses will be audited and reimbursed by HUD; applicants must comply with federal equal‑opportunity and program rules (articles 9 and 10 in agreements). County attorney noted federal guidance has been updated and recipients must comply with current federal interpretations.
Why it matters: CDBG public‑service funds are federal dollars restricted to low‑ and moderate‑income services; recipients’ program design and compliance requirements are subject to HUD guidance and federal auditing. The discussion illustrated political concerns surrounding some organizations despite staff assurances about eligibility and audit controls.
Board action: The motion to approve the recommended eligible awards passed 5‑0. Staff said they will re‑advertise any funds that remain or are withdrawn and will monitor grantees’ performance and compliance with HUD standards.
Speakers quoted: "The funding comes from the CDBG entitlement program and HUD preloaded our account — the uses will be audited," said Zita Ramirez, Hernando County Housing and Supportive Services Director. County attorney Jovan Jobin told the board, "Articles 9 and 10 in the agreements require compliance with applicable federal laws and equal‑opportunity rules." Commissioner Champion said he could not support awards to some organizations on principle.
Next steps: Staff will monitor the awarded grantees and bring future funding rounds to the board; HUD will review reimbursement documentation as required.
