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Northampton Housing Authority adopts 2025 Section 8 utility allowance and payment standards
Summary
At the Dec. 16 meeting the board approved Resolution 2024-9 (revised HUD utility allowance schedule) and Resolution 2024-10 (2025 Section 8 payment standards); the first passed with one abstention, the second passed unanimously among members present while one commissioner was absent.
The Northampton Housing Authority on Dec. 16 approved two routine but consequential administrative resolutions affecting Section 8 participants.
Resolution 2024-9: revised utility allowance schedule (HUD form 52667) — Staff presented the updated utility allowance schedule for Section 8 and the federal Florence Heights program, stating it will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Commissioner Richards moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Brooks seconded. The roll call vote was Chair Maureen Carney yes; Vice Chair Richards yes; Commissioner Brooks yes; Commissioner Tarbutton abstained, citing outstanding questions; Commissioner Cancel yes; Commissioner Jones absent. The motion carried with one abstention.
Resolution 2024-10: Section 8 payment standards for 2025 — Staff recommended setting payment standards at the authority’s baseline (110% of FY2025 fair-market rents) in the absence of an approved waiver. Angel, the Section 8 manager, explained that the authority previously operated under a 20% waiver (120%) but staff missed the HUD deadline for reapplying this year. Angel stated that households currently on the 120% waiver are grandfathered for the next 12 months, while new admissions would be subject to the 110% baseline. Following discussion and clarification, the board voted by roll call and approved the payment standards; Commissioner Jones was absent for the vote.
Board members said they support policies that help Section 8 households access housing, but noted that higher payment standards often require HUD waiver approval. Commissioners did not authorize retroactive changes to payments for new admissions; Angel emphasized that only currently leased households remain under the prior waiver for its grandfathered period.
Votes at a glance: - Resolution 2024-9 (utility allowance schedule): passed (yes 4, abstain 1, absent 1). Moved by Commissioner Richards; seconded by Commissioner Brooks. - Resolution 2024-10 (2025 payment standards): passed (yes 5, absent 1). Moved by Commissioner Richards; seconded: not specified in transcript.
The board did not set a new waiver application deadline at the meeting; staff said they are collecting data to reapply to HUD and will return to the board if and when a waiver is approved.
