April 30, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held April 30, 2025
The Board of Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority met at its annual meeting at 326 W 9th St. Rome, Georgia, 8:30 a.m., on the day of April 30, 2025.
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Betty Sue Hickman, and upon roll call, those present and absent are as follows:
Present: Betty Sue Hickman, Billy Cooper, Brian Bojo, Ronnie Wallace
Absent: Lillie Dyar
Vice-Chairperson Hickman declared a quorum present.
Others in attendance: Justin Jones, Executive Director, Lisa Massey, Deputy Executive Director, Amanda Fox, Executive Assistant, James Garvin, Chief Financial Officer, Billy Pasley, IT Director, Howard Gibson, Director Of Maintenance, Rand Nichols, Director of Security, Elaina Beeman, Director Of Resident Services, Madonna Murphy, Director of Public Housing, Hannah Turner, Director of Tax Credit Development, Wayne Robinson, City of Rome, Stewart Duggan, Attorney
Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting held on February 26, 2025 - Chairperson Taylor asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Hickman. The motion was approved unanimously.
New Business
Approval of Resolution 07-2025 Amendment of Personnel policy - Mr. Justin Jones reported a summary of changes to the personnel policy. The policy had not been updated in 14-17 years; therefore, an overhaul of the policy was needed. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve Resolution 07-2025, seconded by Commissioner Hight. The motion was approved unanimously.
Reports
Finance Department Update - Mr. James Garvin reported per the unaudited Statement of Net Position. As of February 2025, our Net Position is $36,591 ,591. Justin Jones reported that he anticipates an average of $15 million in expenses. To reduce the expenses by $3 million, we will not be borrowing the money, but we will make it up by cutting expenses and leasing up John Graham Homes.
Public Housing/Section 8 Update - Madonna Murphy presented the Public Housing report. The occupancy is at 77% with 118 vacancies. The outstanding balance is $17,849.00 and 411 on the community-based combined waitlist. Quarter I write-offs are totaling $22,564.63.
Tax Credit Development Update - Ms. Hannah Turner reported that the tax credit properties' combined occupancy for February was 97.4%, and 14 vacancies. Elm Street Apartments update - Target close date will likely be May 31, 2025. Cave Spring Townhomes update - we are working with Baker Tilley to ensure a timely closing and start of construction. We are currently working to complete all documents on the RAD Resource Desk while lining up the necessary third-party reports, investor (US Bank), General Contractor, and we have secured an Architect for a timely closing, hopefully by the end of 2025.
Maintenance Update - Mr. Howard Gibson reported that 120 work orders are NSPIRE for coming HUD inspection at Main High, Village Green and Rockmart. There were 125 emergency work orders completed in the last 30 days.
Resident Services Update - Ms. Elaina Beeman reported that on February 18th, the Goodwill Resource Center partnered with the EnVision Center for a Hearts and Hires event. Public Housing FSS Coordinator has 13 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $30,105.85. There are 38 total participants with 16 employed. Housing Choice Voucher FSS Coordinator has 14 total participants with escrow balances, totaling $56,542.00 in total escrow balances. There are 44 total participants with 26 employed. There are 42 ROSS elderly participants and 9 ROSS families. 32 participants received Housing Counseling Services.
Security Update - Mr. Rand Nichols reported that there was a total of 16 incidents on properties, with Highrise 2&3 reporting the most incidents. Lastly, there are two going to be two part-time security positions implemented.
Executive Director Comments - Justin Jones reported the April board meeting has been rescheduled to April 30th due to a conference for the NWGHA staff. Mrs. Hight's Retirement Celebration will be held at 11:30 am at the gymnasium. Lastly, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Heaner have submitted their resignation as board members of NWGHA under the threat of removal by the City of Rome Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Comments - None
Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 a.m.
