TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Susan J. Prado, Deputy County Attorney
Cynthia Emerson, Community Services Director
FROM: Stacey Bush, Housing Services Manager
DATE: September 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Approval of Resolution Establishing Utility Rates for Housing Choice Voucher Program for Fiscal Year 2026
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BACKGROUND
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, formerly known as Section 8 Housing, is a federally funded program administered locally by the Indian River County Housing Services Division. The program assists very low- and extremely low-income households by providing rental subsidies for safe, decent, and affordable housing in the private rental market. The County does not own any HCV housing units; instead, it contracts with private landlords whose properties meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Federal regulations require that utility allowance rates, covering water, sewer, gas, electric, and propane, be reviewed and approved by the Board of County Commissioners annually by resolution. These rates represent the estimated average monthly cost of tenant-paid utilities for different unit sizes and are used in calculating the total housing assistance payment for each family.
For Fiscal Year 2026, Housing Services retained The Nelrod Company to conduct a local utility rate study. The study’s methodology follows HUD guidance, using current utility provider rates and average consumption data for the County. Staff reviewed and approved the final report, and the recommended utility rates are included as an attachment to the resolution. Upon Board approval, these rates will become effective October 1, 2025.
ANALYSIS
Annual adoption of updated utility allowances ensures compliance with HUD regulations and aligns with program integrit...
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