Cliff Clark tells commissioners rising rehab costs left 51 people on county housing rehab waiting list

Cliff Clark, who works with the county's housing rehabilitation program, told the commissioners during public comment that the program has changed over time and now performs more comprehensive work subject to HUD minimum property standards.

"Nowadays, most projects range from $40,000 to $100,000 using home funds," Clark said, and he told the board he currently has 51 people on the waiting list and is no longer accepting new applications. He also noted the state has a Whole Home Housing Repair Program but said the county has not received funding at the same scale as larger counties.

Clark said the waiting list reflects multiple causes rather than a single fix, citing rising material and labor costs. His remarks were made during the public comment portion of the commissioners' May 23 meeting.

The comments drew no formal action at the meeting; commissioners did not vote on additional housing funding during this session. The record indicates commissioners heard the concern and noted it as part of broader county planning and grant-seeking discussions.