New Housing Authority Board Members

The Olney City Council voted on Nov. 10 to approve two members to the Olney Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, reappointing longtime board member and chairman Sanford Heard and confirming the nomination of Jo Ann Hinojosa to fill an open seat.

Olney Housing Authority Director Rick Dinwiddie appeared before the council to answer questions about the appointments. He said he was satisfied with both candidates and was present in case the council needed additional information.

Mayor Rue Rogers asked Mr. Dinwiddie to clarify the board’s structure and responsibilities. Mr. Dinwiddie explained that commissioners serve two-year terms and play an important oversight role in the low income housing agency’s operations.

“Any policies that are made or any changes in policy go through the board,” he said. “They review financials, and anything like evictions or something like that— they’ve got some say-so in that. When we meet, we’re talking about financials and then budgets that have to be submitted to (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Pay raises and bonuses also must be approved by the board.”