Omaha Housing Commission asks Alma City Commission for administrative separation to secure benefits options

The Omaha Housing Commission told the Alma City Commission on a recent meeting night that it wants to separate administrative benefits from the city so it can negotiate its own pension and health plans.

"With separation, we are able to offer more diverse and beneficial retirement and health benefit package to current and future employees," said Eric, Executive Director for the Omaha Housing Commission. He told commissioners the agency operates three HUD programs, manages a property called Tarton Terrace and has a staff of six.

Eric said the commission is limited by its ACC contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which determines how some federal program funds and reserve balances may be used. He told the City Commission that reserve funds and capital improvement funds are restricted by HUD rules and that operating reserves must be maintained for budgeting shortfalls.

The housing commission said it is allowed 67 Housing Choice Vouchers in Gratiot County and currently administers 47. Eric suggested the commission and the city could collaborate on landlord incentives — for example, adjusting inspection or licensing fees — to encourage landlord participation in the voucher program.

"Most housing commissions are separate from the city," said Craig Seeser, chair of the housing commission. "We'd like options for health insurance and the MERS pension that reflect what we can afford as a small public housing agency."

Several commissioners said they support the work the housing commission does but are not convinced separation is necessary. Commissioners asked for a concrete, evidence-based case comparing current benefits, projected costs of separation, and what the housing commission cannot accomplish while remaining under the city's benefit arrangements.

"I would be more inclined to have the city continue as it is, and administer some sort of a fee for the services that we currently provide for you historically for no charge," an unidentified commissioner said, asking that the housing commission provide a specific plan and cost comparison before the matter progressed.

Eric and Craig said the housing commission prefers an amicable process and emphasized that separation would not change day-to-day services or HUD compliance. The commission asked the housing commission to return with more detailed options, cost estimates and proposed governance safeguards; the city agreed to receive the housing commission's report that night but did not take action on separation.

Next steps: Housing Commission representatives were invited to provide a written comparison of options, projected budgetary impacts and suggested oversight measures for further Commission consideration.