In November, the Lebanon City Council passed a resolution to reallocate approximately $250,000 from other budgets (primarily from the homeowner programs) to road resurfacing projects. After those meetings, I raised a few questions in a video summary about the meeting. While researching the programs, I visited the Lebanon City website to find more information on the requirements/application process, etc., only to discover that one of the primary web links with information did not work. I also could not find any of the income requirements. After doing some additional research into the programs, it appeared that the income requirements to qualify for aid are incredibly low, meaning most people who could use programs such as these most likely do not qualify for the help. In my video, I raised the question, “why is the City turning down people who could use programs like these because they make “too much” money if they have excess funds anyway?”
Later, in the December meeting, Janelle Mendoff (Community and Economic Development Administrator) explained that these programs are run by the County, not the City, which means that the City does not set the income requirements. She continued to say that the CBDG (Community Development Block Grant) money the City is reallocating is City money set aside as backup funds if the County’s grant depletes or if there is an extreme homeowner emergency that cannot wait for a typical application review. While Mendoff did not disclose how much of the County Grants are typically used, she added that approximately 10 people who live in Lebanon City received some form of homeownership aid this year (2021).
From experience, of the approximately 10,000 homes within the Municipality, a large percentage of them need essential repairs. These programs are not advertised enough, and most people who could use these benefits do not know they exist. Ultimately, the City is not doing enough to make this information easily and readily available. Additionally, I believe that if the City does not set the income cap for the regular grants, and the County is, in fact, responsible for the income requirements, the City should put any remaining CDBG money in a carryover budget item that they can control the following year for applicants who narrowly miss the income cap. If the City has approximately $250,000 remaining in reserve/emergency housing funds, they should use that money for housing projects. I am not suggesting that road improvements are unnecessary, but housing development is equally crucial. We need to focus on all of the needs of the City.
Finally, at the end of the regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Capello made additional comments regarding funding Lebanon received from the American Rescue Plan. From the $16.6 million the City of Lebanon is receiving, they are offering $1 million as a grant opportunity for local nonprofit organizations located within the municipal limits. When asked, the Mayor informed City Council that she would develop a commission to process applications. The commission would primarily be made up of her staff and potentially the President and Vice-Chair of the City Council. I dislike the lack of organization leading up to the reveal of this grant opportunity. A joint commission between the City Council and the Mayor’s staff would ultimately be the safest and most balanced form of allocating these monetary awards. However, I believe this is an issue that should lie outside of the Mayor’s total control. A commission comprised solely of the Mayor’s staff could lead to a conflict of interest. Ultimately, I believe transparency is essential in a safe and effective government.
What do you think? Please leave any questions or comments below.
Author: Alisher Aminov
