EHDA adopts new budget for 2002

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff

   Fornia Peters was elected chairman, succeeding Paul Bellamy, and the 2002 operating budget was approved at last night's meeting of the Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency (EHDA) board of commissioners.
   Commissioner Jim Jones was elected vice chairman.
   In other action, EHDA commissioners approved resolutions to:
   * Authorize actual travel expenses, totaling $2,327, for five EHDA employees to attend workshops and seminars in Johnson City, Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C.;
   * Write off $2,051 in vacated delinquent accounts;
   * Amend the admissions and continued occupancy policy for EHDA's 326 units as it relates to screening and eviction of tenants; and,
   * Dispose of a walnut desk no longer needed in inventory in accordance with Housing and Urban Development guidelines.
   Kelly Geagley, executive director, told commissioners that he, members of his staff, and Robert Reedy, EHDA architect, are still monitoring a building settlement problem which, apparently, began after heavy rainfall this summer.
   John Deere became the new health insurance provider for EHDA employees, effective Dec. 1, and that Metlife will be the new insurance carrier for dental and life insurance, effective Jan. 1, 2002, because premium rates were cheaper, he said.
   Geagley also told commissioners that an EHDA Certificate of Deposit was renewed on Nov. 28, with an interest rate of 2.5 percent; sidewalk and front porch repairs continue under the capital fund program; 93 families are on the EHDA public housing waiting list; and EHDA was recognized by the Southeast Region for having the best Annual Report for the year 2000.
   "Numerous activities are planned during the holidays for residents of all ages. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season," Geagley said.
   Commissioner Margaret Corcoran commended Geagley and staff "for making it a safe and friendly community for EHDA residents."