Advisory committee hears Hawk budget primer; members press for clearer local funding transparency

Housing Services staff presented a budget primer explaining the Housing Authority (Hawk) fund and cost‑center structure under a new chart of accounts, the timeline for the 2026–27 budget adoption, and a summary of funding sources.

Key points: staff said the authority’s budget is now consolidated under a single fund with cost centers for federal vouchers, public housing and affordable housing development; the department expects a preliminary budget in April, a final review in late May and a Housing Authority Board review in early June with a target July 1 fiscal start. Staff reported that about 74% of 2025–26 funding was federal and that the department is working to diversify non‑federal revenue through enterprise/development activities and developer fees.

Committee members pressed for clearer public‑facing explanation of the "other funds" category and for succinct visuals that show how revenue sources (developer fees, SHS, federal grants) flow into program budgets. Several members asked for a short primer on why the Housing Authority is a legally separate entity from the county and how staffing costs and interfund reimbursements operate. Staff agreed to provide more detailed breakdowns in the April preliminary budget and to include explanatory slides on the entity relationship.

Why it matters: the Hawk budget funds rental assistance, public housing and development activity—decisions and presentation choices shape public trust and legislative oversight. Committee members emphasized that transparent breakdowns of local tax‑supported or county funds are important for public accountability.