Bedford Housing Authority discusses shortfall update, AC unit project

BEDFORD – The Bedford Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, where Bedford Housing Authority Executive Director Bobbie Ames provided an updated on their shortfall funds, as well as an upcoming AC unit project.

Bobbie Ames

Ames said that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has released the first phase of 2022 shortfall funds them, after Ames submitted the information required by the department. That first phase of funds released by HUD amounted to $47,971.

Ames said the city’s housing authority has $52,275 in free cash flow, which puts them closer to being out of shortfall.

Ames said they’ve recently encountered difficulty filling vacancies in the Hauck House.

She told the commissioners she felt this could be due to more competition and places for people to leave being available locally, the 55+ age requirement restricting the number of those who are eligible and the building having a poor reputation with some in the area.

Ames also alerted the commission that bids have opened for an AC unit project at the Hauck House, replacing hallway units with ductless AC mini splits. In the capital projects fund, Ames said there was $18,000 previously set aside for this project, which she said is expected to cover the cost.