Committee approves $174,531 in additional state funding to extend Saratoga County eviction‑arrears program

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 3 approved a resolution to accept $174,531 in additional funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, administered through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), to continue a shelter‑arrears eviction installment program.

Pat Maxwell, who presented the resolution, said the additional award extends the program funding period to cover Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2026, and brings the total two‑year funding to $345,703. "The total funding for that 2 year period is $345,703," Maxwell said. He also said OTDA raised the county administrative fee from 10% to 15% for the full two‑year period.

The committee voted to adopt the resolution after a brief question-and-answer period; the motion was moved by the meeting facilitator and seconded by Evan. Committee members responded "Aye," and no opposition was recorded.

Why it matters: The program — referred to in the presentation as the SAFE eviction‑arrears installment program — targets households facing eviction by paying arrears to landlords under conditions intended to preserve stable housing. Maxwell said the county prioritized families with children and fixed‑income households, including people receiving Social Security or disability benefits.

Program results and eligibility: Maxwell summarized the program's first year, saying the county served 37 households. "We serve 37 households," he said. He reported an average household arrears payment of $4,139, an average of four months of arrears paid, a minimum payment of $430 and a maximum of $10,555. Maxwell said the program will not pay more than six months of arrears for any household.

On eligibility, Maxwell explained that applicants must meet income thresholds tied to the county's cash assistance rules — for example, an approximate monthly eligibility cutoff of $368–$490 for a single individual and roughly $857 for a family of four after disregards. He said 51 individuals applied for assistance in the first year and that 37 households were served; some applicants were ineligible because they did not meet the cash‑assistance eligibility rules or could not demonstrate the ability to afford rent going forward.

Payment process and landlord requirements: In response to a question about how payments are made, Maxwell said payments are vouchered and paid directly to landlords. He said landlords must agree not to evict the household for a period tied to the assistance in order for payment to be made on the tenant's behalf.

Budget effect: The presentation included a budget reconciliation. Maxwell said the county had already included $171,172 in the 2026 budget based on earlier notices, so the net increase to recognized revenue on the amendment is $3,359 while expenses are adjusted and the county fund balance is expected to increase by approximately $17,621. A committee member noted the apparent discrepancy between the roughly $175,000 additional award and the small revenue line change; Maxwell explained the difference came from amounts already budgeted and the higher administrative fee retained by the county.

Next steps and other business: After the vote, the committee moved on to other business, including brief thanks to Maxwell for past assistance in a community situation. No further action on the SAFE program was recorded at the meeting.

Authorities and funding: The resolution authorizes the county commissioner of social services to submit any OTDA documents required to claim the funding and to amend the county budget to reflect the additional award.