Edmond City Council allocates $74,000 opioid grant for juvenile probation officer hiring

The Edmond City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the allocation of grant funds and the approval of a community development block grant (CDBG) plan.

The meeting began with a discussion on the utilization of $74,000 received through an opioid grant. Christy Batterson, the director of housing and community resources, explained that the funds would be allocated for hiring an additional probation officer for the juvenile court system, a cost that was not initially budgeted. The council emphasized the need for better budget planning to avoid such amendments at the start of the fiscal year. After a brief discussion, the council unanimously approved the supplemental appropriation.

Following this, the council held a final public hearing regarding the City of Edmond's five-year CDBG consolidated plan and the 2025 annual action plan, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The city is set to receive $1,090,000 in CDBG allocations. Batterson outlined the importance of the CDBG program, which aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals and improve housing conditions in the community.

Batterson detailed the strategies and tactics developed over the past year, focusing on reducing barriers to housing, diversifying housing types, and improving older housing stock. She highlighted the challenges faced by residents, including rising housing costs and limited options for those requiring ADA accessibility. The council was informed that 25% of households in Edmond are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

The council also reviewed the income eligibility requirements for CDBG services, which are updated annually. For instance, a single individual must earn below $54,750 to qualify for assistance. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the allocation of CDBG funds, which will support various programs, including housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, and public infrastructure improvements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing housing needs and improving community resources while highlighting the complexities of budget management and the importance of strategic planning in local governance.