Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rental Assistance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County told it qualifies for $20M–$40M in federal rental-assistance funding; MAG may administer
Summary
A public commenter briefed commissioners that Utah County is eligible for Treasury rental-assistance under the COVID relief act, estimated at $20–$40 million with an application deadline of Jan. 12; Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) may administer the program and up to 10% of funds can be used for administrative costs.
During the public-comment period, a speaker briefed the Utah County Board of Commissioners that the U.S. Treasury's rental-assistance program under the COVID relief act considers Utah County eligible and the county should apply. The presenter said initial estimates place the county's allocation between $20 million and $40 million and stated the application deadline is Jan. 12.
The speaker described eligible uses (rent, mortgage assistance and utilities) and said households with income above 80% of the county median would not qualify. Payments would be made directly to landlords or utilities. The presenter said the Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) has systems and staff in place to administer income verification and payments, and MAG indicated willingness to partner; the grant allows up to 10% of funds for administrative costs.
Why it matters: If the county applies and is awarded funds, the program could provide short-term rental and utility relief to lower-income households affected by the pandemic. Commissioners noted they could not make a decision in the public forum but expressed interest in exploring the opportunity and potentially ratifying an application before the deadline.
Logistics discussed: the presenter said MAG already performs income verification for similar programs, could pay utility companies directly, and could track administrative costs. County staff identified local COVID-team staff who could oversee audits and federal reporting if the county moves forward.
Next steps: The presenter asked for informal agreement from at least two commissioners so staff can prepare a ratification process before Jan. 12. Commissioners agreed to explore the option and follow up offline; no binding action was taken at the meeting.
