Housing boards to ask why directors position remains vacant
Uncertainty about Ketchum and county support
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
Following the resignation of Ketchum and Blaine County housing director
Steve Amsbaugh two months ago, the north-valley city and county are still without a
replacement.
An advertisement for applicants to fill the vacancy has not been placed.
That issue and the future of the entire affordable housing program will be
topics of discussion at a meeting tomorrow night.
The Blaine County Housing Authority and the Ketchum Housing Commission
will meet together at 5 p.m. at Ketchum City Hall.
According to a meeting agenda, the discussion is expected to include
continued support from Ketchum and Blaine County for the program, hiring a new housing
director and strategies to be taken based on the outcome of the aforementioned
discussions.
Ketchum Housing Commission member Beth Callister said in an interview
yesterday that she requested the joint meeting be held. A lack of action from Ketchum and
the county on replacing former director Amsbaugh prompted her to do so, she said.
"There seems to be uncertainty about the commitment of the county and
the city," Callister said. "The housing commission and housing authority need to
be a little more involved. Maybe its time that they become the advocates of
affordable housing and do some lobbying."
In a conversation yesterday, Ketchum Mayor Guy Coles said he is still very
interested in pursuing affordable housing and continuing the housing program.
He said, however, that Ketchum City Council members and the Blaine County
Board of Commissioners have not yet made a commitment one way or another.
Coles said hes had preliminary discussions with Blaine County
Commissioner Mary Ann Mix, who told him that the commission would consider the matter at
its regular meeting July 10.
Coles said he would bring the issue up with the council members Monday
night at the city councils regular meeting.
"Im sure well have a commitment," he said.