Commission approves $106,525 ESG grant for homeless services; commissioners ask for more distribution details

The commission voted to accept an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) award of $106,525 from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation to be used for homeless services across the grant period July 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2027.

A staff presenter explained the grant comes from HUD funds passed through the state and that the city uses the money for rapid rehousing (helping those who are literally homeless) and homeless prevention (assisting households facing eviction). The presenter said applicants receive a homeless certification and a standardized assessment; staff conduct case conferencing weekly to prioritize the highest‑risk individuals for referral to available programs.

Commissioners pressed for more granular information. One commissioner asked whether reducing the mill levy necessarily reduces the dollar amounts residents pay in property taxes given rising assessed values; another requested a back brief outlining precisely how ESG funds will be used across geographic parts of the city and how many families will be affected. The presenter said the ESG grant is separate from TBRA and Section 8 funding and that match is largely accounted for with a portion of staff salaries classified to ESG functions. On the duration of assistance, staff said short‑term rental assistance typically lasts three months and that the 15‑month grant period is for program delivery.

A motion to approve the staff recommendation was moved and seconded and the commission approved item d by voice vote.

The commission did not provide an itemized distribution at the meeting and directed staff to provide a supplemental brief about fund allocation, match accounting, and monitoring of recurring use of assistance.