July 22, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held July 22, 2026
The Board of Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority met at its regular meeting at 326 W 9th St. Rome, Georgia, 8:30 a.m., on the 22nd day of July 2026.
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Betty Sue Hickman, and, upon roll call those present and absent are as follows:
Present: Betty Sue Hickman, Billy Cooper, Brian Bojo (tardy), Mary Clark, Keruin Ruiz, Corey Townsend, Ronnie Wallace
Absent: None
Chairperson Hickman declared a quorum present.
Others in attendance: Justin Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Hannah Turner, Chief Operations Officer, Amanda Fox, Chief of Staff, James Garvin, Chief Financial Officer, Billy Pasley, Director of IT, Rand Nichols, Director of Security & YouthBuild, Madonna Murphy, Director of Compliance, Howard Gibson, Director of Maintenance, William Richardson, Attorney, Harry Brock, City of Rome, Tom Couch, General Public
Approval of Minutes of regular meeting held on June 24, 2026 - Chairperson Hickman asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Old Business - None
New Business
Approval of Resolution 39-2026: Approval of Lawncare Equipment Contract - Mr. Justin Jones presented a proposed resolution requesting the board's approval on the purchase of lawncare equipment. The Northwest Georgia Housing Authority seeks to bring all lawncare in-house due to non-performance of previously awarded contract. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 39-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 40-2026: Approval of Weed Control Contract - Justin Jones presented a proposed resolution requesting the board's approval to enter into a weed control service contract. The proposed vendor is a local company that will provide six comprehensive spray treatments annually at each property to assist with weed management. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 40-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 41-2026: Approval of Travel Policy - Ms. Madonna Murphy presented a proposed resolution to revise and adopt the existing Travel Policy for all staff and employees. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 41-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 42-2026: Approval of Single-Family Home Build Contract - Ms. Hannah Turner presented the proposed resolution to enter into a contract with Community Construction Group, LLC. This company won this contract pursuant to the procurement policies and requirements. The purpose of this project is to promote homeownership opportunities for a low-income family through the construction of a new single-family residence. The home will consist of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and approximately 1,344 square feet of living space. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 42-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 43-2026: Approval of Rent Increases at Willingham Village II - Hannah Turner presented the proposed resolution to increase tenant rents at Willingham Village II, formerly known as Hannah's Place. The property consists of 76 unsubsidized rental units. NWGHA recognized the need to adjust rental rates that are currently below achievable market levels in order to better align with local market conditions. An independent Achievable Rent Analysis was conducted by Bowen National Research to evaluate appropriate rental rates for the property. The proposed rent adjustment is intended to improve the long-term financial sustainability of Willingham Village II while continuing to maintain affordable housing opportunities for residents. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to approve Resolution 43-2026, seconded by Commissioner Bojo. motion was approved by majority.
Yes: Bojo, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: Clark
Reports
Finance Department Update - James Garvin reported May 2026 ending cash available is $4,007,050. The total Operating Expenses for May 2026 are $5,326,141. Total Operating Revenues are $5,153,682. Approval of NWGHA Financial Statements for May 2026:
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Chief Executive Officer Comments - Justin Jones presented the CEO Report, providing an overview of key operational, financial, and development updates across NWGHA. He reported that the agency experienced significant growth in the number of households and individuals served over the past two years. In June 2024, NWGHA served 960 households and 1,873 individuals. As of June 2026, those figures had increased to 1,183 households and 2,486 individuals, reflecting continued expansion of services and community impact. Mr. Jones also reported that, as of June 30, 2026, NWGHA maintained an internal reserve balance of $1,033,609.11 demonstrating the agency's ongoing commitment to strengthening fiscal stewardship and maintaining financial stability. Additionally, Mr. Jones informed the Board that the lawn care contract with Russell Landscaping LLC was terminated effective June 29, 2026. NWGHA is actively transitioning lawn maintenance services in-house. During the transition period, Grassroots of Rome and Walker's Landscaping & Fence have been engaged to ensure uninterrupted maintenance services at agency properties. Regarding development updates, Mr. Jones reported that renovations at Willingham Village II are approximately 50% complete and remain on schedule for completion by August 8, 2026. Full lease-up of the property is anticipated by November 2026, and a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the fourth quarter of the year. Finally, Mr. Jones advised that The Village in Cave Spring has a tentative closing date of August 12, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the agency's development efforts.
Commissioner Comments - None
Executive Session - Chairperson Hickman asked for a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of real estate matters, personnel matters, and threatened and/or potential litigation. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to adjourn Regular Session and enter into Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion passed unanimously. No action was taken during the Executive Session. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to return to Regular Session, seconded by Commissioner Ruiz. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Bojo, Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Adjourn - Commissioner Cooper made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Clark. The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.
