June 24, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Commissioners of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority
Held June 24, 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 24th day of June 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, Mary Clark, Keruin Ruiz, Corey Townsend, Ronnie Wallace
Absent: Brian Bojo
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, Le Shay Denton, Director of Housing, Madonna Murphy, Director of Compliance, Howard Gibson, Director of Maintenance, Harry Brock, City of Rome, Tom Couch, General Public.
Oath of Office - Keruin Ruiz - Ms. Amanda Fox asked Ms. Ruiz to stand, and after Ms. Fox read the Oath of Commissioner, Ms. Ruiz was officially sworn in as Commissioner.
Approval of Minutes of regular meeting held on May 20, 2026 - Chairperson Hickman asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Wallace. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes - Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No - None
Old Business - None
New Business
Approval of Resolution 31-2026: Approval of Name Change from Hannah's Place to Willingham Village - Mr. Justin Jones formally presented a resolution recognizing the proposed name change of the housing development currently known as Hannah's Place, located in West Rome. The Northwest Georgia Housing Authority seeks to restore the development's former name, changing it from Hannah's Place back to Willingham Village. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to approve Resolution 31-2026, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 32-2026: Approval of Tenant Accounts Receivable Write-Offs (Public Housing) - Mr. James Garvin presented a resolution regarding the write-off of uncollectible accounts receivable and rental balances. He explained that NWGHA is required to write off or charge off certain delinquent accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to federal housing programs and consistent with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. These accounts arose from the participation of individuals in rental housing programs administered by NWGHA. After making reasonable and diligent efforts to collect all amounts due for the period of April 2021 through March 1, 2026, the resolution authorizes NWGHA to write off or charge off from its financial records and accounting books uncollected accounts totaling $217,797.84, which remain outstanding despite such collection efforts. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to approve Resolution 32-2026, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 33-2026: Amendment of NWGHA By-Laws - Ms. Madonna Murphy presented a resolution to amend the NWGHA Bylaws for purposes of ensuring completeness, clarity, and the inclusion of provisions governing participation by video or telephone conference. The Board of Commissioners acknowledges that each Commissioner was provided with at least seven (7) days' advance notice of the proposed bylaw amendments, which notice may be delivered by email and shall be deemed effective upon transmission to the Commissioner's last designated email address. The amended Bylaws require that a physical quorum of Commissioners be present at all Board meetings for business to be conducted. Commissioners may participate remotely by video or telephone conference in no more than two (2) Board meetings per calendar year, provided that such participation is otherwise consistent with the requirements of the Bylaws. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 33-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 34-2026: Amendment of Records Retention & Disposition Policy - Madonna Murphy presented the proposed resolution to amend a policy regarding the maintenance, preservation, retention, and disposition of public records created, or maintained by NWGHA in connection with its housing and business-related operations. NWGHA recognizes the need for and importance of having a current Records Retention and Disposition Policy in force and effect to ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, federal regulations, and the laws of the State of Georgia governing the retention and disposition of public housing records. Commissioner Cooper made a motion to approve Resolution 34-2026, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 35-2026: Approval of Maintenance Warehouse Renovations - Justin Jones presented the proposed resolution to authorize, approve, and enter into a contract with Community Construction Group, LLC for improvements to NWGHA's Maintenance Warehouse and to authorize the expenditure of funds associated with the project. NWGHA has properly procured the contract in accordance with its established procurement policies and applicable requirements. The Board of Commissioners reviewed the proposal and hereby approves the contract with Community Construction Group, LLC and the expenditure of $198,624.00 for renovations to the NWGHA Maintenance Warehouse. The proposed improvements will enhance the efficiency and functionality of the warehouse, provide a dedicated training room for staff, and improve the overall appearance of the facility to better reflect a professional business environment. Funding for this project will be provided through a Capital Fund Grant. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 35-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously..
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 36-2026: Approval of Booker T. Washington Contract Turn-Key Project - Justin Jones presented the proposed resolution to authorize, approve, and enter into a contract with Community Construction Group, LLC for turn-key renovations of sixteen (16) housing units located at NWGHA's Booker T. Washington housing development and to authorize the expenditure of funds associated with the project. NWGHA has properly procured the contract in accordance with its established procurement policies and applicable requirements. NWGHA recommends the contract with Community Construction Group, LLC, along with the expenditure of $153,170.00 for the turn-key renovation of sixteen (16) housing units at the Booker T. Washington development. The units included in this project have been vacant and unoccupied for more than six (6) years. The proposed renovations will return these units to service, increase the availability of safe and affordable housing, improve occupancy rates, and enhance the overall condition of the development. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 36-2026, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 37-2026: Approval of Employees' New Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans - Madonna Murphy presented the proposed resolution regarding changes and revisions to NWGHA's employee health insurance benefits program. NWGHA recognized the need to review and update NWGHA's existing employee health insurance offerings to adopt new employee health, dental, and vision insurance plans. NWGHA recommends the adoption and implementation of the proposed insurance plans. The proposed plans will provide enhanced benefits to employees by reducing premium costs, copayments, and deductibles, thereby making healthcare coverage more affordable and accessible. In addition, the new insurance program is expected to result in significant cost savings for NWGHA while continuing to provide quality coverage for eligible employees and their dependents. Commissioner Wallace made a motion to approve Resolution 37-2026, seconded by Commissioner Townsend. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Approval of Resolution 38-2026: Approval of Change Order for Hannah's Place Turn-Key Project - Justin Jones presented the proposed resolution to approve a change order in the amount of $29,880.00 related to the ongoing redevelopment and renovation project at Hannah's Place, now known as Willingham Village. The Board previously authorized and approved a contract with Community Construction Group, LLC, for turn-key renovations of twenty-five (25) housing units located at Hannah's Place in West Rome. As part of the continued improvement and repositioning of the development, NWGHA has determined that additional enhancements are necessary to improve the appearance, marketability, and overall curb appeal of the property. The proposed change order, in the principal amount of $29,880.00, will provide for the installation of three (3) new property entrance signs and attractive landscaping at three major entrances to the development. These improvements are intended to create a welcoming and professional appearance, strengthen the property's identity as Willingham Village, and support leasing and occupancy efforts. The goal of these improvements is to assist NWGHA in achieving 100% occupancy at Willingham Village by November 2026. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to approve Resolution 38-2026, seconded by Commissioner Wallace. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Reports
Finance Department Update - James Garvin reported April 2026 ending cash available is $4,290,073. The total Operating Expenses for April 2026 are $4,209,281. Total Operation Revenues are $4,154,293. Approval of NWGHA Financial Statements for April 2026.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Chief Executive Officer Comments - Justin Jones presented the CEO report, which included a summary of current operational updates. First, in May 2024, there were 967 households being served and 1,911 individuals being served. In May 2026, there are currently 1,132 households being served and 2,411 individuals being served. Lastly, the Highrise 2 & 3 Sliding Entry Doors project is complete
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 Townsend made a motion to adjourn Regular Session, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The motion passed unanimously. No action was taken during the Executive Session. Commissioner Townsend made a motion to return to Regular Session, seconded by Commissioner Wallace. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yes: Clark, Cooper, Ruiz, Townsend, Wallace
No: None
Adjourn - Commissioner Townsend made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM.
