A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Winter has been a very hectic time here at JeffCo. In addition to the problems caused by
winter weather, staff has been very busy working to design and implement numerous changes
related to our hardware and software. CaTRAC'r has been fully implemented for the
processing of voucher payments. The staff is working with several consultants and vendors related
to other software and hardware upgrades. This work is being done to improve our
service to HUD and our owners and managers.
Look elsewhere in this Newsletter to find a tentative schedule for training in 2011. We have worked on changing the format for training based upon your comments in our Focus Groups last year. It appears the smaller class size and more focused topic selection is being favorably received and is meeting your needs.
The Invitations for Applications for Performance Based Contract Administrators has been published. With a target date of the beginning of the new federal fiscal year as the start date for all contracts, HUD must complete the review and award contracts the end of June or the first of July. In a related development, I am very proud to say that several JeffCo Senior Staff, along with other PBCAs, were selected by HUD Headquarters to participate in numerous Working Groups whose job it was to develop a Transition Guide for PBCAs. The purpose of this guide is to outline policies and processes for those states where the PBCA contractor changes as a result of the rebid. Hopefully, this Guide will lessen any potential inconvenience for owners and managers working in a state where the Contractor changes.
I hope to see you at one of our upcoming industry meetings. In the meantime, if there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
Spring Gardens Community Center Re-Opens!
Spring Gardens, an elderly and disabled community had the grand re-opening in conjunction with a
Christmas Party/Open House held at the center. Approximately five years ago, a fire at the center
destroyed the community center and it has been operating in a temporary building. This new building
has a computer lab, arts and crafts, and also serves as a base for residents to take shelter
after storms and extended power outages.
The building is beautiful with polished concrete floors, exposed beams, ductwork and brick!
The SAHMA Mississippi State Meeting was held in Jackson, MS, on February 14th-16th at The Hilton.
The event was well attended and seemed to have been enjoyed by all. According to the Mississippi
SAHMA State Director Lona Black, there was an increase in attendance from last year.
The training seemed to
have been enjoyed by all with nothing but positive feedback coming from the attendees.
Renee McTyeire was given a round of applause from Owners/Agents for her presentation
of the training material.
The NAHMA Educational Foundation solicits applications for scholarships
annually. Funds are made available to residents of affordable housing
properties to further their education in a variety of ways.
JeffCo established a related, but separate fund for the residents
living in eligible properties in Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia
and Connecticut. Information regarding the program and the
application form, which must be submitted on-line,
is available at 
Julie Reynolds was born in Huntsville, Alabama and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.