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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Executive Director
Mike Pucci |
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The fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, was a good year for the
Housing Authority. The leadership of the Board of Commissioners and Housing
Commission and the dedication and diligence of our staff have made this
possible.
Federal funding for the Public Housing and Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher Program continues to be uncertain as legislation to fund these
programs is still pending in Congress and a Presidential veto also looms once
the legislation is passed. The Housing Authority will continue to focus on
financial stability through streamlining operations.
This report shares with the community our challenges and our
achievements for the year ending June 30, 2007. Here are just a few of our
achievements:
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Provided Excellent Customer Service. In the annual customer
satisfaction survey, 97 percent of our customers said that service met or
exceeded their expectations. This is up three points from the previous year.
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Major Lease-up Effort. Recognizing the importance of
utilizing as much of our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher funding as possible, a
major effort was made to increase our lease-up rate. During FY2007, more than
600 applicants were pulled from the Section 8 waiting list. Of those more than
200 were determined to be eligible to receive a voucher. Because of the
extraordinary effort required to determine the eligibility of this many
applicants, many employees were involved in a team effort to make this possible.
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Average Turnover Time Decreased. The amount of time it takes to
prepare a vacant unit for the next occupant rose steadily over the years as the
Housing Authority confronted lead-based paint and asbestos issues. Though we
have not yet met our goal of 20 days, a significant improvement was achieved in
FY2007. The number of days dropped to 47.5, down from an all-time high of 97
days the previous year.
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Major Project Completed. The Housing Authority had an aggressive
list of extraordinary maintenance projects for FY2007. This was made possible by
the refunding of Eagle Village and Parrot Village. This funding made it possible
to budget several large projects, including the replacement of windows and
siding at Eagle Village, replacing playground equipment at both complexes, and
many other projects. In total 80 percent of budgeted funds were expended, or
$1.6 million, on these projects.
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These projects also included the repainting of Esperanza, which
gave this complex a bright new look (see cover) and repairing dry rot and
restaining Independence Plaza. Though not entirely complete by year end, most of
this project was completed. These projects keep the buildings in good shape and
an asset to the community.
The Housing Authority will meet all challenges, whether funding
uncertainty or changing regulations. The staff of the Housing Authority is
dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our customers.
