Commissioners approve CDBG-DR housing program blueprints and a contractor pass-through to speed homeowner reimbursements

Audrey, the county’s lead for grant and housing programs, presented the CDBG-DR blueprints the board authorized to begin notice of funding and procurement processes. The blueprints prioritize repair and rehabilitation for multi-family housing damaged by storms and a special-population housing program for homeless residents and people with disabilities, with procurement to be competitive and transparent.

Audrey said budget amendments will be brought back to the board before any funds are committed and that community engagement and competitive application processes are planned for June. Commissioners emphasized prioritizing damage repairs over new construction and sought clarity on how projects and locations will be scored; staff said prioritization will occur at the scoring stage and the RFP and scoring criteria will be developed with procurement input.

On the single-family program payment process, staff proposed a contract amendment to allow consultant BDO to serve as a pass-through and invoice aggregator so homeowners and contractors can be paid more quickly—within about a week—while BDO aggregates documentation for audits and oversight. The clerk’s office reviewed and supported the approach, staff said.

The board approved the blueprints and the contract amendment; both items carried unanimously. Staff will return with procurement scopes, scoring criteria, and any budget amendments required before funds are awarded.