Tamarac staff propose shifting HOME funds to first-time homebuyer assistance to avoid general-fund advances

Ken (staff member) explained two consent items that would reallocate HOME funds to maximize use and reduce the need for the city to advance general-fund dollars for reimbursements. He said some cities shift HOME-funded minor-repair activity into first-time homebuyer programs because the reimbursement process for minor repairs can cause delayed draws and require general-fund coverage.

Ken described the plan as using the same overall money but changing funding sources: for past funding years staff proposed moving roughly $306,000 from HOME minor-repair allocations into first-time homebuyer activities while placing about $150,000 of SHIP funds into minor home repair. He said the city also has recovered approximately $800,000 from a defunct NSP program that offsets the minor-repair need.

Commissioners and staff clarified that the HOME funds at issue are federal dollars distributed by Broward County as a pass-through. At the meeting preview staff emphasized this is a funding-source reallocation rather than a net loss of support for minor home repair.