Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) received an unmodified audit report from Hochschild, Bloom and Company, LLP for the period ending June 30, 2019. An unmodified audit report occurs when an independent auditor deems a company’s financial statements are fairly and appropriately presented, without any identified exceptions, and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable federal regulations.

“This is the best audit you can get,” said PHA Chairman Randy Verkamp. “We are proud of our staff and their hard work.”  

In fiscal year 2018-19, the Phelps County PHA provided rental assistance to 715 low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city limits of Rolla) and Washington counties in a sum of roughly $2.9 million. The PHA also offers the Family Self-Sufficiency Program where clients develop a goal-oriented, five-year plan that moves them toward self-sufficiency and independence from government programs. Additionally, the staff performed 1,266 tenant inspections. 

Recently, Phelps County PHA began accepting applications for rental assistance online at https://phelpsco.housingmanager.com/. Online applications allow for greater accessibility for qualifying individuals. Individuals need to have a valid email address to apply online. 

Paper applications are still accepted every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. James location and on the 2^nd Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Washington County Public Library, 235 E. High St., Potosi. 

The Phelps County PHA is made up of the presiding commissioners from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties and one resident advisory member. Officers are Chairman Randy Verkamp, Vice-Chairman Vic Stratman, and Secretary Leo Sanders. The PHA board contracts with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) for staffing and program operations. Donald Keeney serves as the housing program manager. 

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 27 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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