Cobb commissioners argue over COVID rental relief programs

Lisa Cupid, Cobb Board of Commissioners — *Cobb commissioner Lisa Cupid*

The Cobb Board of Commissioners on Tuesday rejected a proposal to spend $2 million in federal CARES Act funding for renters facing eviction because of what some said was a lack of accountability.

But the board did pass a substitute motion to provide the same amount of rental assistance through a previously approved program that helps homeowners adversely affected by COVID-19 in making mortgage payments.

The measure turned down by a 3-2 vote was proposed by South Cobb commissioner Lisa Cupid, and would have designated three non-profit organizations—MUST Ministries, the Center for Family Resources and Sweetwater Mission—to screen applicants who could receive up to $4,800 in funding.

Those eligible for the help can earn no more than 80 percent of the area media income, and they can include renters in apartments and single-family homes.

Cupid said later in the meeting that commissioners who voted against her proposal supported the substitute that was proposed on Friday, before a long holiday weekend, without being vetted.

The proposals were considered after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a moratorium on COVID-related evictions nationwide through the end of the year.

The mortgage assistance program, called the Cobb Home Saver Program, earmarks $4.8 million. A $1.5 million rental relief program sponsored by East Cobb commissioner Bob Ott was approved in May, but it’s restricted to apartment dwellers.

“We are trying to keep people off the streets,” Cupid said. “We are trying to keep people in homes. . . All of these programs are about keeping people in housing during this pandemic.”

During a lengthy discussion, commissioner JoAnn Birrell of Northeast Cobb said she preferred only one service provider to be designated to approve applications under Cupid’s proposal.

“I know there’s a need and time is of the essence,” she said. “I still have reservations. We just can’t give away money without accountability.”

Ott said that Cupid improved the proposals but he still objects to what he he sees as tenants not having “some skin in the game.” His rental relief program requires renters to pay at least 20 percent of whatever amount they can negotiate with a landlord.

Cupid’s plan includes no such mandates, but applicants must have pursued assistance elsewhere first.

Commissioner Keli Gambrill of North Cobb claimed the memoranda of understanding (MUST, CFR, Sweetwater) lacked safeguards to prevent applicants who’ve received CARES Act funding in Ott’s rental assistance program from getting additional funds.

Cupid replied that each of the organizations would have spreadsheets indicating who’s come to them for assistance, but Ott said that’s not a guarantee.

She also said that when commissioners voted in July to approve an $8.1 million request by the Cobb County School District for online instructional content, “you said it was hands off.”

The three non-profits chosen for Cupid’s program, she said, all have strong reputations in the community.

Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce was the only other vote in favor of Cupid’s proposal, saying it’s “trying to cover a gap that’s complex and layered. I’m going to support it because the need is there.”

Ott’s substitute motion to provide $2 million in rental assistance through the Cobb Home Saver program was approved 4-1, with Cupid voting against.

Cupid, who is challenging Boyce in the November general election, said near the end of the meeting that “this is not the first time there has been a double standard” in her eight years as a commissioner.

She accused her colleagues of “underhanded” tactics, said she will continue to work with them and treat them the way she’d want to be treated, “despite today’s disappointment.”

Cobb was allotted $132 million in CARES Act funding, and has spent the largest portion—$50 million—on small business relief grants that are in a second round of applications.

After the meeting, Shari Martin, head of the Cobb Community Foundation, another leading county non-profit, said it “was a very disheartening morning for organizations that have long served this community.”