Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
Hines' Feb. 6 letter points out that HUD's HOME program "is the largest Federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households." It notes, "The City of Sarasota receives HOME funds on behalf of the Sarasota Consortium, which includes Sarasota County and the cities of North Port and Venice, and these funds have assisted thousands of Sarasota residents in their pur- chases and repairs to their homes." The letter points out that Hadsell learned on Jan. 22 that HUD "will be issuing additional guidance and resources to grantees on spe- cific aspects of the new requirements over the next 12 months. … Sarasota County believes that waiting 12 months for HUD [to take that action] is unreasonable." COUNTY COMMISSION CONSTERNATION Commissioner Joe Barbetta told Hadsell on Jan. 28 that he was concerned the local program had been on hold since July 2013. Applications were supposed to start coming in Aug. 1, 2013, Barbetta added. Since HUD did not change rules for the program until Aug. 22, he asked why Hadsell and his staff accepted no applications. Hadsell explained that it would have been impossible to close on the loans in 21 days. Barbetta then pointed to the new rule HUD issued in July. "If we're just sitting back, wait- ing for [HUD officials] to tell us what to do, yet they give us instructions on what we're supposed to be doing, that's just two govern- ments playing a game here, and we've got to get it resolved." "I really take exception to that," Hadsell replied, "because my concern is beyond whether or not we could do those specific things [in the new rule]." Hadsell added, "Unless we get clarifica- tion from HUD that the rules will give some flexibility without the prospect of onerous repayment, I'm going to be back here not recommending that we go forward with the down payment assistance but that we limit our liability any further and move those funds into a program that will be safer." "This is eight months, Don," Barbetta responded. "Maybe our lobbyist needs to contact Congressman Buchanan. … This is not right. This is not fair to the public. We've got $600,000 sitting there not being used … and we've got two governments not talking, apparently, or working together." Shaun Donovan is the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Photo from HUD via Wikimedia Commons Sarasota News Leader February 14, 2014 Page 11