Proposed Tuscaloosa Co. Rental Assistance Program: What To Know

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The process has been a slow moving one as Tuscaloosa County officials hammer out the details of the county's participation in a federal program that could see much-needed aid money doled out to renters and landlords alike following the recent economic downturn.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA), administered by the U.S. Department of The Treasury, has been a talking point for the Tuscaloosa County Commission for months, including some of the bleakest moments of the coronavirus pandemic. Talks have stalled, though, with the measure being reconsidered and restructured numerous times, but failing to gain any momentum toward adoption and implementation.

However, the logistics and administration of the program at the county level has been the primary source for debate, while a consensus is apparent on the Commission for the overall need for the emergency funding. As it stands in the first round of funding, the county would receive just north of $6 million for emergency rental assistance, while additional aid money could also come through a more competitive second round through the American Rescue Plan.

Thursday will see a special called meeting of the Tuscaloosa County Commission, which will feature more discussions over the firms that would be responsible for administering the program.

The Commission last week voted down a measure awarding the bid to three firms at once, in favor of granting Assistant County Administrator David Howell the authority to contact the three firms to gauge their interest in a potential collaboration.

Commissioners have supported bidding out to Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP), due to its local presence, while also awarding a bid to Horne LLC, out of Mobile.

Horne specializes in web-based accounting and financial advisory needs.

Under the model, Howell explained that if Horne agreed to partner with CSP, the firm would be tasked with managing the centralized online portal for those accessing the program. The Mobile-based company would also be responsible for compliance, while — as District 2 Commissioner Jerry Tingle said — the county would be responsible for cutting the check.

Additionally, District 4 Commissioner Reginald Murray raised concerns about CSP "being at the mercy" of Horne, despite its role as the local entity on the ground administering the program.

Howell responded by pointing out that Horne incorporates the Neighborly software platform, which would be accessible to CSP in the event of the two firms administering the program together. He also expressed optimism in the possibility of the firms being willing to work collaborate.

"I think you will get an answer back relatively quickly and I don’t think there will be much of a problem," Howell said of the proposed discussions with Horne and CSP.

Probate Judge Rob Robertson mentioned the structure being considered by county officials is much like the one implemented in Jefferson County, which saw local buy-in in the form of involvement by community organizations.

"It would still be up to them, if they would want to work with another firm locally," Robertson said of the proposed collaboration. "That is in the language of the RFP, so I don’t know what they would do, if they say yes or if they say no."

While the process has been delayed more times than he would have liked, Robertson said with any new program for the county commission on this scale, it's likely to come with its challenges.

"The mechanism is where we’re at," Robertson told Patch on Monday. "We have requirements we have to meet with the treasury department and make sure local access is provided on a walk-in basis … that’s kind of the balance we're trying to meet."

Statewide, seven Alabama counties and major cities are participating in the federal program: Baldwin County, the City of Birmingham, the City of Huntsville, Jefferson County, Madison County, Mobile County and Montgomery County.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook Thursday for live updates from the special called meeting!

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