BACKGROUND (CONT'D)
HUD utilizes SEMAP to evaluate a public housing authority’s (PHA) management of the HCV program. SEMAP scores are based on a combination of electronic data reported to HUD at regular intervals by PHAs and self-reported scores based on internal audits conducted by PHA staff. PHAs use HUD’s SEMAP Certification form to submit their scores. HACCC’s completed form for FYE 2015 is attached. The SEMAP rating consists of fourteen separate performance indicators. Scores for Indicators 1-8 on the attached SEMAP Certification form are based upon HACCC’s internal review and an external review conducted by a consultant. Scores for Indicators 9-14 on the attached SEMAP Certification form are based on HUD’s automatic scoring of these Indicators. Based on staff's certification, HACCC’s HCV program is entitled to receive 110 out of 140 possible points, which will result in a SEMAP score of 79%. The rating becomes official after HUD reviews and approves the submission. If HUD maintains this score, HACCC will once again qualify as a “Standard Performer” under HUD’s SEMAP program.
HACCC achieved a favorable score in 12 of the 14 SEMAP Indicators. Specifically, HACCC scored points in the following Indicators:
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Selection From the Waiting List
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Determination of Rent Reasonableness
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Maintaining Current Utility Allowance Schedules
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Conducting Quality Control Inspections
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Housing Quality Standards Enforcement
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Expanding Housing Opportunities
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Maintaining Current Payment Standards
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Conducting Annual Income Reexaminations
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Correctly Calculating Tenant Rent
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Conducting Pre-Contract Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections
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Annual HQS Inspections
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Lease-Up/Utilization Rate
While HACCC would be eligible for points for Indicator 14 Family Self Sufficiency Enrollment & Escrow Account Balances, due to the fact HACCC has graduated more participants than the minimum program size required, it is no longer rated for SEMAP purposes.
The Deconcentration bonus is awarded to housing authorities that have metropolitan jurisdictions and can demonstrate that families with children either live-in currently, or are moving to, low-poverty census tracts. To receive the bonus for in-place families, a housing authority must demonstrate that half or more of all HCV families with children reside in low poverty (<10%) census tracts. Unfortunately, HACCC cannot claim these bonus points for FY 2014-2015 as it has in the past.
HACCC did not score any points in 1 of the 14 Indicators. Specifically, HACCC did not score points in the following Indicators:
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Determination of Adjusted Income
Determination of Adjusted Income measures performance on income verifications and if the verified information is used to properly calculate family income. Scoring for this Indicator has improved as staff training has continued, new policies and procedures have been implemented and missing file information has been restored. Scoring will continue to improve in the current fiscal year as these processes continue. HACCC will continue to utilize external quality control to help identify and improve remaining weaknesses in staff's performance on this Indicator.
FISCAL IMPACT
HUD provides over $80 million annually for the Housing Choice Voucher - Section 8 rental assistance program serving low-income families in Contra Costa County. Approval of this SEMAP certification is a condition for continued funding.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION
Should the Board of Commissioners elect not to approve Resolution No. 5189, HACCC would be in jeopardy of losing over $80 million in funding that provides rental assistance for low income families in Contra Costa County.
CLERK'S ADDENDUM