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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1992 1021 CC REG ITEM 08OITEM 8. D. MOORPAIRKARK, 79 9 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, California 93021 ey TO: The Honorable City Council FROM. Donald P. Reynolds Jr., Administrative Services Manager �jJ-- DATE. October 15, 1992, (CC Mtg. of October 21, 1992) SUBJECT: Consider Extension of the Mobile Home Rent Subsidy Program Summary The following report will summarize the history y of the City's mobile home rent subsidy g ( "Background and Program overview"), and pursuant to the direction received by staff from the Budget and Finance Committee, (Committee), recommend its extension. Background In December, 19891 the City and the owners of Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park (Park) reached a settlement agreement whereby the City would set aside $10,000 and offer rent subsidies to qualified tenants between December 1989, and November, 1992. Page 4 of the settlement agreement states that tenants qualify based upon the following criteria: "(a) At least 50% of the combined income of all persons residing in the mobile home is used for space rent; and (b) The combined income of all persons residing in the mobile home does not exceed 80% of the Ventura County median income for the size of the household, ( the median income for a family of 4 is $48,400, and 80% of this is $38,600 - source; Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Policy Development New Income Limits, May 1992); and (c) No person residing in the mobile home receive assistance under Section 8 or any similar federal, state or local program." Rental assistance is based on the rent amount paid before December 1989, and the newly increased rent amounts charged after this date. Approved rent increases have been implemented by the owner of the Park each December, and the City subsidy has been adjusted each year to reflect the new rent amount. Each January, for those who have a fixed income, (i.e., social security or disability PAUL W. LAWRASON JR. Mayor JOHN E. WOZNIAK SCOTT MONTGOMERY BERNARDO M PEREZ ROY E. TALLEY JR. Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember benefits), the subsidy amount is reduced by the cost of living adjustment assigned by the governing agency, (if one is provided). To date, no rent increases have been applied for by the owners above the annual cost of living index figure, except for the original 1989 increase. Therefore, for those receiving social security or disability benefits, the net increase is essentially the difference between the owner's increase and the cost of living adjustment applied by federal or state government (approximately 1% 1992). Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, the last rent subsidy payment from the City is scheduled to be approved at the October 21, 1992, Council meeting (which is applicable to the month of November). Program Overview Two households originally applied for the subsidy and were joined by a third family in July, 1990. The City assisted the same three families from July 1990, to the present date, providing a total of between $1,250 and 1,450 to each household. By helping these three families, the City used less then half of the settlement agreements's set aside of $10,000, leaving a balance of $5,975.60. This does not include staff time establishing the program and conducting quarterly status reviews of each recipient. Discussion On Wednesday, October 14, 1992, staff met with the Budget and Finance Committee, (Mayor Lawrason and Councilmember Montgomery) to discuss the concept of extending this program. It was presented to the Committee that if the program is continued without change, that the three current recipients would use approximately $1,070 between November and June 30, 1992. To operate the program unchanged for fiscal year 1993/94 would cost approximately $1,615. Qualified new recipients may be recieving between $450 and $550 per household per year. If the program is to be considered for continuation, it is reasonable to apply a cap to the amount of funds used by the City. Since there is already a $5,975 balance remaining from the original stipulation of the settlement agreement, staff and the Committee recommend this amount to be established as a cap. The balance, if any, of the original $10,000 that remain at the end of subsequent fiscal years can be considered for a continuance allocation by the Council. dr \mhsubext 10/15/92 2 Policy Guidelines Cap The Committee recommends that a cap be placed on the program for a total cost to equal the original $10,000 set aside. Not knowing how many applicants may apply, it is recommended that the entire balance of $5,975 be appropriated for this purpose. If a balance of funds occurs, it would be reconsidered for part of the next year's budget. Original Recipients There is no change proposed to the current program for the original recipients, assuming that they remain eligible. Staff will attempt to avoid a reduction in benefits while staying within the cap. New Applicants Only residents of Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park would be eligible. Applicants have to be living in the Park as of the termination date of the settlement agreement subsidy stipulation; November 30, 1992. As currently applies, there would be no retroactive reimbursements. The Friday following the first City Council meeting of each month is the last day of the month that a new application can be approved for the upcoming month's rent. Completed and approved applications received after this day would not be initiated until the following month. Recommendation That the City Council extend the Mobile Home Rent Subsidy program to the residents of Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park as follows: 1) Appropriate $5,975 for the General Fund Reserve to line item 001.04.117.641 for additional mobile home rent subsidies, and; 2) Authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the program pursuant to the existing guidelines, and; 3) That the City receives new applications only from Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park residents residing at the park on or before 11/30/92, and; 4 ) To direct the Budget and Finance Committee to revisit the program on an as needed basis, (determined by the anticipated balances available), and if needed while developing appropriations for the 1993/94 Budget. dr \mhsubext 10/15/92 3