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Commission approves $75,000 ARPA reallocation to operations for Karuna expansion
Summary
The commission approved moving $75,000 of a $300,000 ARPA award from acquisition to operations so Karuna can bring a building on-line sooner; Karuna representatives described sustainability plans including Medicaid 1915 waiver pursuit, Housing Choice vouchers, and a live-in staff pilot to reduce costs.
The Economic and Community Development Commission voted unanimously to approve an amendment that shifts $75,000 of Karuna’s $300,000 ARPA award from acquisition/repairs to operating costs so the provider can open a building earlier than planned.
City staff explained that the original grant allocated $200,000 for acquisition/repairs and that Karuna requested $75,000 be moved into operating to cover additional staff and equipment needed to bring the property on-line sooner. Julie, a Karuna representative, described several sustainability strategies: pursuing Medicaid 1915 waiver reimbursement (which has been delayed and did not grandfather existing residents), working with the City of La Crosse Housing Authority to project-base Housing Choice vouchers, applying for state funds, piloting live-in staff to reduce 24-hour staffing costs, and exploring a social-enterprise revenue stream.
Julie said Karuna currently operates 11 units with 10 occupied and expects the amendment to add eight units, bringing the total to 19 when the new building opens. She emphasized the help the city award already provided and said the organization is actively pursuing multiple revenue streams to sustain operations beyond the ARPA award.
Council Member Goggin moved to approve the amendment; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
