Spencer County fiscal court approves resolution to seek CDBG-CV utility-relief funds, aims to deliver about $184,000 to past-due bills
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Summary
At its April 5 meeting, Spencer County Fiscal Court adopted a resolution to apply for Community Development Block Grant-CV utility-relief funding. KIPDA said the county would receive roughly $184,000 after an 8% admin fee to pay delinquent water and sewer bills for eligible residents.
Spencer County Judge/Executive John Riley and the Fiscal Court voted April 5 to authorize an application for Community Development Block Grant-CV (CDBG-CV) emergency utility-relief funding to help residents with delinquent water and sewer accounts.
KIPDA representatives Jenna Graham and Danielle Story told the court the program can provide up to $200,000 for a jurisdiction; after an 8% administration fee Spencer County’s share would be $184,000. "After the Admin Fees are deducted, the Spencer County community will be receiving $184,000.00 to disburse to residents who have delinquent utility bills and meet the criteria for receiving assistance," Story said.
The grant, to be administered locally by the Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency (MPCAA) as subapplicant, is intended to prevent utility shutoffs for households financially affected by COVID-19. Eligible households must provide four items at intake: a driver’s license, proof of delinquent utility bills and the amount owed, a completed intake form (a "personal declaration"), and their last four pay stubs. Assistance is capped at $250 per month for up to six consecutive months.
Graham and Story also said KIPDA will monitor compliance with HUD rules and verify utilities apply payments to accounts. Graham explained that some applicants may be steered to existing gas and electric assistance programs (LIHEAP and Kentucky Housing Corporation) so CDBG-CV funds can be concentrated on water and sewer arrears.
Judge Riley introduced and the court adopted a resolution authorizing the application and naming MPCAA as the subrecipient. The motion carried on a voice vote with one member, Magistrate Jerry Moody, recorded as voting "nay" and Magistrate Jim Travis absent.
The county will need to establish a non-interest-bearing checking account for grant funds managed by MPCAA; KIPDA materials on the application were placed on record for public review.
The court’s action now allows staff to complete and submit the CDBG-CV application and to move forward with the administrative steps required to open the assistance program if the grant is awarded.