Commission hears plan to cut five HCD roles amid audit; commissioners press for right‑sizing and oversight
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Summary
The administration proposed roughly $469,550 in Housing & Community Development reductions, including five positions (some grant‑reimbursed). Commissioners pressed for deeper review after reports of prior management and asked for more information on grant reimbursements and the land‑bank inventory (about 150+ parcels plus 64 rental units).
Administrator Allen proposed a near‑$470,000 set of reductions in the Housing & Community Development (HCD) department as part of FY2026 balancing measures. The package would cut five positions (two currently filled, three vacant) and reduce operations by about 10%, producing projected savings of roughly $469,550.
Deputy/interim director Jackson and finance staff explained most of the positions affected have grant‑reimbursed pay components (CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA). Arnold Pierce (finance) said administrative-cost reimbursement for grants is done through time-and-effort allocations and that eliminating positions changes how administrative costs are reported to HUD but does not automatically reduce program reimbursements.
Commissioners raised repeated concerns about HCD’s past performance and stewardship of program funds. Commissioner Don Clark said the department’s past problems have cost the county “millions” and pressed for a reset, an audit, and additional options beyond the current one‑swing recommendation. Commissioners also asked for clarification about the portfolio of city-managed properties and the Land Bank; staff said roughly 150+ parcels and 64 rental units are in the inventory, some bought or constructed across prior years and some restricted by affordability periods or bond funding.
Administrator Allen emphasized the proposed cuts are a starting point and promised a rightsizing exercise after the audit and additional follow‑up. Commissioners voted by show of hands to consent to the proposed reductions as a budget starting point, with multiple members asking staff to return with alternative scenarios and audit results to ensure programs remain functional.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the proposed FY2026 adjustment as a baseline, continue work on the audit and rightsizing recommendations, and provide commissioners with the requested breakdown of grant funding, property lists and program‑income flows.
