Incoming Coffey County housing director outlines grant plans, triplex projects and calls for bylaw updates

Lindsay Stookie, recently appointed executive director of the Coffey County Housing Authority, introduced herself to the commission on Feb. 27 and outlined plans to pursue grant funding and modest new construction while maintaining the authority’s rehab program.

"There's a lot of grants out there," Stookie told commissioners, naming the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program (application window opens in July) as a priority. She said the housing authority may pursue new-construction funding for two triplexes — one in Burlington and one in a neighboring community referenced in the packet — and that she will apply for available funds.

Board members and county commissioners voiced strong support for Stookie and urged a review of the housing authority’s bylaws to ensure current practice matches written rules. Vice chair Greg Sty said Stookie “knows that office better than we do,” and Commissioner Bill Parker thanked former executive director Rhonda for years of service. Commissioners noted a 2011 resolution had changed the authority’s employment arrangements, and staff agreed to research resolutions and bylaw inconsistencies (including office location and meeting times) to make sure county records and housing-authority rules align.

Commissioners also pressed for clearer financial reporting. One commissioner reviewed the authority’s financial statements and reported a $53,000 shortfall in one statement; Stookie said the auditors had explained that sweep accounts affect cash-based figures and invited commissioners to contact the authority’s auditors for clarification. Stookie said the Leroy triplex loan had been paid off and emphasized the authority’s waiting list for existing units.

Stookie and the board said they would bring bylaw amendments and any requested financial detail back to the commission; the authority will also continue work on rehab projects and prepare for upcoming grant cycles.

Next steps: staff will collect and present the housing authority’s bylaws, relevant resolutions and clearer accounting detail at a future meeting; Stookie will reapply for federal housing funds when the application window opens.