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In addition, even with a minimal HRA levy, there are not enough funds to support any <br />new programs related to the needed Multi-Family Renovation, Rental Licensing and <br />. The restricted funds could support <br />expansion of First Time Home Buyer programs <br />programs where the renovation and/or purchase are restricted to those with <br />incomes at or below 80% of median incomes. These funds can not be used for any <br />administration costs. <br />To continue to provide consistent and ongoing housing programs and implement new <br />a dedicated funding source must be provided <br />initiatives - . The proposed 2005 ½ levy <br />of approximately $200,000 helps to cover participation in the Housing Resource Center <br />(which has been the single most effective program over the past three years for the <br />residents of Roseville reaching over 1,100 residents) and the administration of other <br />programs. As shown in the draft budget, if additional levy funds are not provided in <br />future years, the services of the HRC and other existing programs would need to be <br />reevaluated. In addition, new programming to address code deficiencies, multi family <br />exterior improvements and stimulate townhome and condo improvements will be <br />If no new funding source is provided the <br />impossible without new sources of funding. <br />housing programs of the City will be curtailed and there would be a higher risk of <br />neighborhood blight and decay in the community. From city staff experience, <br />allowing neighborhood and housing improvements to remain “status quo” (no <br />proactive, deliberate actions and incentives), housing values and neighborhoods <br />begin to decline. On the flip side, if homeowners are making improvements to the <br />home, it creates a “ripple effect” and their neighbors tend to make improvements <br />too. <br />The levy would provide the necessary funds to continue to provide housing services such <br />as the Housing Resource Center, housing loans, cleaning up distressed properties, <br />studying demographic trends, developing first time buyer options and building a fund to <br />tackle the most severe multi family issues. In a time when state and federal resources are <br />declining, local communities must take a more active role in assuring that adequate <br />resources are provided to achieve the same level of housing and neighborhood service <br />and reinvestment. This relatively small cost to the taxpayer would provide that <br />reinvestment into the community to ensure that housing values are stable and <br />neighborhoods remain strong. <br />What impact will the HRA Levy have on Roseville residents? <br />5.0 <br />5.1The housing levy does impact the taxpayer’s property taxes. However, the increase <br />should be viewed as a small investment into the community to help ensure that property <br />and neighborhoods are being protected from blight which in turn creates decrease values <br />and potentially increased crime. Not all residents are responsible land owners either <br />because they do not have the desire or capacity. This has a direct affect upon those <br />property owners that are responsible. The levy funds would be used to improve property <br />and address areas that are experiencing deferred maintenance. <br /> HRA Budget Hearing & Levy Request - Page 7 of 9 <br /> <br />