Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lottery And Project Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Housing trust raises concerns about $25,000 lottery fee and approves funding for project plan work
Summary
Cochair reported that the ready‑renter/lottery agent fee has risen to $25,000; trustees asked for an itemized bill and discussed funding support for a local developer. The board also discussed a $7,500 project plan to analyze state funding, timelines and logistics for priority projects.
At the Jan. 12 meeting the trust’s cochair briefed members on two near‑term administrative matters: a large increase in the cost of the town’s lottery/ready‑renter services and the need to commission a detailed project plan for upcoming housing projects.
Lottery/ready‑renter cost
Cochair reported that the fee for the ready‑renter list and lottery administration has reportedly risen to $25,000. Board members said the provider has not supplied an itemized explanation for the jump and asked staff to request a breakdown of the billed costs. The cochair said staff will seek the itemized bill and that the trust could consider alternatives if the expense is not justified — for example, using local staff or seeking backup assistance from Housing Assistance at a reasonable fee.
Project plan and funding
The trust discussed an existing offer of $7,500 to develop a detailed project plan (scope: state funding sources, deadlines, financing options, and moving logistics for a priority site). Members supported advancing that work so the select board can see concrete project magnitudes and timelines, and staff noted that having a plan will help when pursuing state funding and negotiating ground‑lease or financing conditions.
Developer support
Board members discussed a proposal to help a local developer cover due diligence or lottery costs if the developer demonstrates commitment (for example, a bank commitment letter). Members said they want to be cautious about expending trust funds but indicated willingness to negotiate assistance conditional on evidence of financing and clear accounting of costs.
Next steps
Staff will request the itemized lottery fee and return with recommendations. The trust will proceed with the $7,500 project‑plan scope and present the results to the select board and other stakeholders.
