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Augusta administration seeks to "right‑size" Housing & Community Development; commissioners press for audit findings and property inventory
Summary
Administrator Allen proposed cutting five HCD positions and about 10% of operations to reduce the department's general fund subsidy by $500,000. Commissioners pressed for detailed org charts, a history of program income and a property inventory after staff revealed the department now manages dozens of city‑owned rental units. An external audit is
Administrator Allen told the commission she intends to "right‑size" Housing & Community Development (HCD) for 2026 and reduce reliance on the general fund, citing a loss of public trust after operational problems over the past 12 months.
"From a financial perspective, we need to live within our means," Allen said, asking the commission to support reducing HCD's general fund subsidy by $500,000 through five position reductions (two of them vacant) and operational reductions near 10 percent. Interim director Jackson and other staff said the department expects to reorganize to focus on core HUD programs (CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA) and restore compliance.
Commissioners pressed for more information. Commissioner Jordan Johnson asked whether proposed cuts would impair redevelopment projects; staff said redevelopment functions would be retained, though in a revised supervisory model. Commissioners flagged a newly disclosed property portfolio: staff said HCD now owns and manages about 64 properties that serve as housing for low‑income residents, more than the office had historically held. Staff said a property management firm currently manages tenant relations and rent collection for those units, and the commission asked for a year‑by‑year revenue and expense accounting for the portfolio.
Several commissioners called for a deeper, department‑wide "reset" in light of recent payouts tied to HCD programs; the administration said an external audit is underway and that staff expect a report within about 45 days and will take prompt corrective action on any findings. Allen emphasized the need to preserve core services for housing stability while improving controls and program compliance.
Commissioners requested: an org chart showing the five positions proposed for reduction, a full inventory of HCD assets (including the 64 properties), documentation of contracts for property management, and the audit report once received. No formal staffing actions were taken at the work session.
