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Housing authority requests modest levy increase to sustain voucher and administrative programs
Summary
Fergus Falls housing staff recommended the HA 2026 levy under Minnesota statute 469.033, saying local levy support leverages state and federal funds and helps administer voucher programs that assist roughly 170–180 households; staff noted a successful 'Bring It Home' application for about $400,000 over two years to help 25 families.
Mike Olsson, presenting for Fergus Falls Housing, outlined the HA levy request and the rationale for local levy support. He said Minnesota statute 469.033 (0.0185% of estimated market value) governs levy calculations and that parcel counts and estimated market values have risen, producing a roughly 5% increase in the requested levy compared with last year.
Olsson emphasized the levy supports administrative costs that allow the authority to leverage state and federal funding; he said voucher programs and other federal/state resources bring roughly $2 million annually into local assistance and that the voucher program currently serves about 170–180 households with an average payment around $500. He also noted a Bring It Home state program application showing an award of just over $400,000 over two years that could support about 25 additional families.
Council discussed what would happen if local levy support were cut and asked for more financial detail and documentation; Olsson offered to meet with council members to provide 990s and detailed budgets. The committee approved placing the levy recommendation on the consent agenda with at least one council member asking for it to be pulled for discussion at the council meeting.
