Last night the Huntingburg City Council listened to an update and request from Huntingburg Housing Authority Executive Director, Heidi Reller for a monetary value from the city to assist in matching funds as Reller makes plans to apply for a grant from the federal home loan bank to help towards renovations at the Friendship Village Apartment Complex.
At least one stipulation calls for complex owners to stick with the terms of the agreement for up to 15 years otherwise they will be force to compensate the Housing Authority.
The Huntingburg Housing Authority is tax-exempt structure and has been making payments in lieu of taxes to the city of what would be their taxes if they were not tax-exempt. The Common Council has approved a rebate of that amount in past years, to help offset operational costs of the housing authority.
Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner sees last night’s move by the council as an investment for the community.
The Friendship Apartments Complex has not undergone had any major construction or renovations since it was first built back in 1968. The Common Council approved a $9,000 match towards the grant initiative.
DRUG SCREENING
And finally last night the Huntingburg City Council approved an amendment to the City’s Policy & Procedure Manual regarding which employees are required to submit to random drug screenings.
Prior to the approval and changes, Huntingburg City Hall Office Manager Sue Tooley mentioned that there was a need for drug screenings across the board for all employees since the subject has been raised in audit meetings as to why only full time and some part time employees are tested.
The policy will undergo some changes therefore all who work at any level for the city be it full time, part time, or even as a volunteer go through the drug screening process.
