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Blue Earth County approves regional housing agreement and property management deal with Mano EDA
Summary
The county board approved a five‑year intergovernmental agreement with the Mano EDA to administer regional housing programs and a separate property management agreement under which Mano will manage the county’s RAD‑converted public housing portfolio for a 6% management fee; both resolutions passed at the May 12 meeting.
Blue Earth County commissioners voted May 12 to formalize a regional housing partnership with the Mano Economic Development Authority and to authorize a property management contract for the county’s recently RAD‑converted public housing portfolio.
County staff described two complementary agreements: an intergovernmental agreement to coordinate administration of affordable housing programs — including the Housing Choice Voucher program, the Bring It Home rental assistance program and the county’s affordable housing trust fund — and a five‑year property management agreement under which Mano EDA would provide day‑to‑day leasing, maintenance, rent collection and compliance functions.
According to staff, the IGA establishes a regional service area extending beyond Blue Earth County and defines roles for program administration, financial management and reporting, and compliance with federal and state requirements. The property management agreement follows a RAD conversion that transfers ownership of certain public housing from the EDA to the county; because the EDA cannot both administer project‑based vouchers and manage properties, the county will own the assets while Mano handles property management on the county’s behalf.
The property management contract specifies a five‑year initial term with automatic renewals and a management fee equal to 6% of gross project revenues. Staff said operating costs will remain project‑supported and that no direct local subsidy is required. The agreements also reference existing administrative plans and prior agreements for the housing trust fund and Bring It Home program.
After staff recommendations, a commissioner moved and the board approved both resolutions authorizing the executive director and county administrator to execute the agreements.
Next steps include final execution of the IGA and the management contract and continued coordination among county staff, the Mano EDA and participating jurisdictions to implement regional administration and oversight.
