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Montgomery County commissioners, meeting in Hatfield, approve TEFRA bonds and grants, authorize finance working group
Summary
At a July 16 meeting in Hatfield, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved TEFRA resolutions for Waverly Heights ($73 million) and Montessori School ($2.5 million), authorized a finance working group, and approved a $600,000 Emergency Solutions Grant application that requires a $600,000 local match.
Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, opened the board’s July 16 meeting in Hatfield and led the board through a series of resolutions that county officials described as supporting housing, workforce and homelessness services.
The board approved a request from Waverly Heights — a nonprofit life-plan community — to support issuance of tax‑exempt revenue bonds totaling up to $73,000,000 to build three new buildings, add 36 apartment units and several amenities. Steve Forster, presenting on behalf of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority, said the bonds will fund construction, an interest reserve and issuance costs and that “neither the general credit nor taxing authority of Montgomery County are pledged as security.” Chair Winder moved approval; the board carried the resolution by voice vote.
The board also approved a second TEFRA resolution for the Montessori School (TMS) to issue bonds up to $2,500,000 for electrical and HVAC upgrades, a farmhouse renovation, playground improvements and refinancing of prior debt. Forster again noted the county does not assume financial obligation in the transaction.
County officials authorized the chief operating officer to select volunteer experienced finance professionals to form a finance working group, which CFO Brian Wilkinson described as a way to bring outside perspective to the county’s financial management and policy design. Commissioners discussed budget pressures heading into the next fiscal year and approved the authorization by voice vote.
The board approved a resolution authorizing Montgomery County to apply for $600,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Isabella Andreosi of the Office of Housing and Community Development said the funds would support street outreach, rapid rehousing and emergency shelter programs; the resolution also authorized the required 100% local match of $600,000 to come from a combination of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, community development block grant funds and the Pennsylvania DHS homeless assistance program.
Other routine business carried on a single voice vote: approval of the July personnel list for the commissioners' department, advertisement of bids and RFPs (Exhibit A) — including a new mobile outreach RFP for opioid support — awards of contracts (Exhibit B), and awards for the Southeast PA Regional Task Force (Exhibit C). The board also approved an appointment to the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board and recognized multiple county employees with 'Way to Go' awards.
The meeting was held on the road in Hatfield to highlight local projects and partners; officials emphasized the county’s recent nearly $2 million in local investments and a newly launched Montgomery County housing blueprint aimed at preserving and building housing and supporting stability. The board adjourned after a short salary board session and retiree recognitions.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. in the Norristown boardroom.
