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NOTE: In the original article, it stated board member Mike Smith made a motion to approve the budget resolution that passed. No motion was made as the action wasn’t necessary. 

The Winchester Housing Authority – which operates properties at Memorial Park, Tyler Banks, Stevenson Heights, Sequoia Village, and Smith Manor – held its monthly meeting on Monday, February 24. 

While there, a noteworthy piece of information was addressed. 

Cheri James, who has served as interim Executive Director of the Winchester Housing Authority, had her departure announced for Friday, February 26. 

“Friday is Cheri’s last day with the Housing Authority, and I want to personally thank her for what she’s done since last August. There’s been a lot of positive changes,” said Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed, noting that James’ contract came to a conclusion. “We still [have] got a long way to go, but we’re moving.” 

A new Executive Director has not yet been announced. 

Other news created headlines as well. 

Both a financial report and occupancy report – as is common – were presented. 

With the financial report, James advised that monies from a non-federal fund be spent last. 

“That money is safe,” she said. 

Upon clarification, that amount was listed at just over $870,000. 

Regarding the occupancy report, Jones referred to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

“HUD will tell you the rule…for payday compliance is 5%. You can always be working toward that…[but] your occupancy rate is not going to be what HUD would want it to be,” she said, noting that 30 units are offline. “We’re doing a really good job of turnover, and that just takes time.” 

James also referred to a revision amending this year’s budget, while announcing that a new budget would start on April 1. 

The revision was accepted.

Shortly thereafter, public comments were taken, with many of them being maintenance-related concerns. 

In the case of remodeling, Smith spoke. 

“It’s better for you to be out of the unit for it to be remodeled simply for safety if nothing else,” he said.

Other maintenance-related issues – such as those dealing with installation of pipes or a ramp – were also brought up. 

Certainly not least, the subject of having a resident representative sit on the Board of Directors for the Winchester Housing Authority was mentioned. 

“As you all know, HUD requires a resident to sit on the Board,” Mayor Reed said. 

While recognizing Tammy Tyree as an applicant, Tyree herself expressed hope that residents of each housing location could have an opportunity for input. 

Board member Ros Gay expressed confidence in the idea. 

“We are serving the people, and we want to hear from…your perspective,” she said. 

With Mayor Reed’s suggestion, it was agreed to make voting on a resident representative an agenda item for the next meeting. 

“Let’s put this on the agenda…for anyone that’s interested in applying or saying [they’d] like to participate,” she said. “You [have] got to report to the Board and be good for each resident.”