The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors acted on November 20th to reappoint the board of directors for Jackson Point Progressive Housing Corporation, with Supervisor Lee Dimmitt outlining efforts to maintain operations at the struggling 18-unit low-income housing facility.
Legal Basis for Action
Dimmitt explained that he discovered the bylaws and articles of incorporation for Jackson Point, which were originally passed by the Board of Supervisors in 2003 before the housing corporation was ever incorporated.
“It was my position that the Board of Supervisors, by virtue of approving those, were subject to them because it states in there that they shall appoint,” Dimmitt said.
With the Iowa Finance Authority not stepping in to address the facility’s crisis, Dimmitt said he felt compelled to act.
“I could not, if you’ll pardon the expression, have the lights shut off to the residents of Jackson Point,” he said. “So I was willing to step back in as a member of the board of directors, as were Shawn [Morrissey] and Gina [Edwards] after I talked to them.”
Shawn Morrissey and Gina Edwards are members of the Jackson Point Progressive Housing Corporation, along with Supervisor Dimmitt.
Immediate Financial Actions
Following the reappointment, Dimmitt moved quickly to stabilize the facility’s finances. He and Gina Edwards went to the bank to get accounts switched over and immediately addressed critical bills.
“I got the light bill paid, the water bill paid,” Dimmitt said. He also has the insurance bill and trash bill yet to pay, which will leave approximately $4,000 in the account.
“Starting next week, we’ll start getting checks back in,” Dimmitt noted, referring to rent payments that will need to go through the reestablished process. “We should be able to build up funds in there.”
Long-Term Solution in Progress
While addressing immediate operational needs, Dimmitt has been working on a longer-term solution with an individual he has known for years who has expressed interest in taking over the facility.
Under the proposed arrangement, the current board would maintain control for two years until the facility becomes eligible to apply for loan forgiveness from the Iowa Finance Authority. At that point, an arrangement would be worked out for the individual to assume ownership.
“Once the loan would be paid, Iowa Finance Authority would no longer have any jurisdiction over the project, and we would step away,” Dimmitt explained.
The prospective operator’s attorney is meeting with the Iowa Finance Authority’s attorney to work out details. Dimmitt hopes to get a contract or agreement drawn up that the board of directors can approve, after which the individual would begin managing the facility.
The prospective operator already owns apartments that are Area 15 qualified, meaning he understands the complex paperwork and regulations involved in managing low-income housing—something Dimmitt acknowledged is beyond his expertise.
“I’m not smart enough to do this. I don’t know anything about Area 15 housing and stuff,” Dimmitt said. “This individual already has apartments that are Area 15 qualified, so he understands that paperwork.”
Day-to-Day Management
Looking ahead to ongoing operational needs, Dimmitt plans to reach out to All American Pest Control for building maintenance and to Brent Ferrell at the fire department to arrange testing of fire safety equipment, keeping services local whenever possible.
Throughout the interview, Dimmitt repeatedly emphasized his primary concern: ensuring current residents don’t lose their homes.
“I’m just trying to keep the lights on so that the residents have a place to live,” he said.
Background
Jackson Point has faced mounting financial difficulties in recent months due to low occupancy rates and aging infrastructure requiring costly repairs. Only 12 of the facility’s 18 units are currently occupied, generating insufficient revenue to cover operational costs.
The Iowa Finance Authority holds an $869,000 loan on the property, which could potentially be forgiven in November 2027 once the 20-year Low-Income Housing Tax Credit compliance window is met.
By reappointing the volunteer board and working toward a management transition, Dimmitt is attempting to bridge the gap between the facility’s current crisis and a sustainable long-term solution that preserves housing for vulnerable residents.
