Easton Housing Authority

The meeting focused primarily on the presentation and approval of the budget for the fiscal year 2027. Discussion covered a 5% state-allowed cap increase, anticipated net income of $96,000 after significant non-routine expenses, and proposed salary increases: 3% for administrative staff and approximately 2% for the executive director, averaging about 2.5% overall. Legal cost exemptions were adjusted, and travel budgets were increased anticipating a new executive director. A correction was made regarding a past legal settlement expense inclusion in the initial budget draft. The maintenance labor budget included a provision for a 3% salary increase, contingent on DI rates. The Section 8 budget was projected to remain nearly the same as the previous year, with a $52,000 management fee to Tanton noted. The board also approved the contract with Mil Shaw and Rubelad for accounting services for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Finally, the board approved the Executive Director salary calculation worksheet, which included a discussion regarding claiming credit for supportive senior housing initiative services provided by Elder Affairs instead of receiving a direct grant.

The meeting included welcoming a new member, Andrew Miller, who provided an introduction regarding his background and interest in joining a committee. Key discussions focused on the potential exercise of the town's right of first refusal for the 1.38-acre parcel at 69 Howard Street, which was offered for $200,000 under Chapter 61 tax provisions. The Trust debated authorizing the Select Board to exercise this right and committing $200,000 in funds for the purchase, as the property appears developable following a perc test and the price is favorable compared to market values. Further motions were passed to allocate funds from the CPA fund for trust administration and small development general budget lines. Updates were provided on prior property acquisitions with South Shore Habitat for Humanity, which are nearing completion. The board also discussed the state-mandated MBTA Communities zoning effort, including the economic feasibility analysis being conducted to potentially increase mandated affordability percentages. Finally, the Trust voted to confirm the existing Chair (Nikki Desaulian) and Secretary/Clerk (Amy Rodriguez) for the upcoming year.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed State Administrative Plan, which encompasses the capital plan, maintenance and repair plan, operating budget, AUP, policies, and survey results. Discussion noted that the plan was largely status quo except for a significant change concerning the fire alarm panel replacement at Pocket Terrace. The Board subsequently voted to submit the annual plan to the Department of Housing. Key agenda items approved included the November 2021 warrant for $161,113.17, and the Accountants' Compilation Report as of October 31, 2021. Budget revisions for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, were approved, necessitated by COVID and CARES funding shifts affecting administrative salaries and the introduction of new legal expenses due to the absence of a regional attorney. The Board also approved the HUD annual civil rights certification and authorized the Chair to sign it, affirming compliance with various civil rights and disability acts.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025 and December 9, 2025 meetings, and the approval of the December 2025 warrant totaling $299,625.50. The Board received and placed on file the financial statements for November 2025, which included a clarification regarding extraordinary maintenance expenses related to flood damage, adjusting the previously noted amount. A fiscal year 2026 budget revision of $27,000 was approved to account for a legal settlement reimbursement from EOHLC. Furthermore, the Board addressed the executive director search, confirming that the job advertisement and description were approved, posted, and that initial steps for candidate review were underway, including a timeline for potential public interviews in March. Finally, the Board moved to authorize the chairman to sign the Civil Rights Certification for 2026.

The meeting focused on the 2026 Easton Housing budget presentation. Key discussion points included a substantial 12% increase in the state operating expense level, authorization for up to 9% salary increases for staff, and the removal of restrictions on increasing the maintenance labor line item by 9%. Other topics covered were the significant increase in property insurance costs due to market changes, reasonable increases for health insurance and retirement benefits, and changes to the resident service allocation, increasing the minimum from $6 per unit to $25 per unit, though restrictions on spending remain. The rise in auditing fees was noted, attributed to the auditor firm undergoing multiple buyouts. The budget projections also accounted for a potential loss in Section 8 administrative fees and detailed allocations for apartment rehab projects, including a 10-year maintenance on the water treatment plan and the replacement of a truck that only one person was certified to drive. The approval of the operating budget for the subsequent fiscal year, ending March 31, 2026, was unanimously passed.