Council authorizes one‑year extensions for two ARP subrecipients after HUD reimbursement delays

The council voted to authorize the city administrator to execute amendments extending two HOME‑ARP subrecipient agreements.

Katherine Ruth, community development manager, told the council that reimbursement paperwork for Trinity Jubilee Center and New Beginnings was delayed by retroactive HUD directives and staffing transitions at recipient agencies. Trinity was originally allocated approximately $110,547 for supportive services (bus tickets, security deposits, staffing); New Beginnings was allocated about $300,885 for case management and financial assistance for transition‑age youth. Ruth said reimbursements filed in earlier quarters did not meet HUD’s revised documentation expectations and that additional time is needed to assemble the required materials so the city can seek federal reimbursement.

Ruth asked the council to authorize extensions to June 30, 2027 (with procedural options for HUD‑required approvals) and a minor internal budget reclassification at Trinity (reallocating about $5,000 from bus passes to personnel). Director Blake warned that failing to approve extensions could result in lost funds and time; both agencies reported most of the work done and expenditures already incurred, with the city seeking reimbursement. Councilors asked whether voting no would forfeit funds and Ruth confirmed that without additional time the city could attempt an accelerated closeout with Auburn and HUD but could risk losing reimbursement.

The council approved the motion to authorize the administrator to execute the amendments by roll call, 5–2, with one councilor recusing; the mayor noted the vote protects funds for local supportive services for unsheltered and at‑risk populations.

The administrators will return if additional federal documentation or process changes require further council action.