Fayetteville Housing Authority unanimously adopts three utility-schedule resolutions

The Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners on Oct. 23 voted unanimously to adopt three HUD-required utility schedules that the authority says are necessary to align payment standards and utility allowances across its programs.

Shonda, a housing authority staff member, told the board HUD requires an annual review of utilities for public housing, multifamily and voucher programs and that the analysis factors unit size and the types of utilities needed. "HUD requires us to review our utilities for both all of our programs, multifamily, public housing, and the voucher programs," Shonda said, explaining the methodology used to calculate allowances and the payment standard cap tied to 110% of fair market rent.

The board considered three separate resolutions because HUD’s calculations differ by program. Resolution 13-61 covers public housing, Resolution 13-62 covers Morgan Manor, and Resolution 13-63 covers the voucher programs. Shonda said the schedules would be effective Jan. 1 and that the authority publishes changes in advance so residents and participants are notified. She also said the authority must publish a new schedule if the new analysis differs by 10% or more from the current year.

Each resolution was moved and seconded in sequence and approved by roll-call vote. Commissioners recorded aye votes for Resolutions 13-61, 13-62 and 13-63; the board did not record any dissenting votes.

The board did not amend any of the resolutions during the meeting; Shonda described the votes as procedural steps to meet HUD’s annual requirements. The authority will publish final notices and provide required participant and resident notifications before the Jan. 1 effective date.