Spencer Trust Cash to Go to Home Repair Program

Fifteen to 20 more Barrington homes will get new heating systems or other home repairs with loan funds allocated by the Town Council Monday night, Nov. 4. 

The councilors agreed to a request from Town Planner Phil Hervey for $150,000 in Spencer Trust funds primarily for heating system replacements and conversions to natural gas. They were sitting as trustees of the fund when they allocated the cash for the loans.

Barrington has used about $175,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and $40,000 in Spencer Trust cash to make home repairs to 35 qualified applicants since 2006, said Hervey. The projects have cost from a few hundred dollars to about $18,000 each.

Hervey, who administers the home repair program, anticipates that an oil to gas conversion would cost around $6,000 to 8,000 for each home. The additional $150,000, therefore, is estimated to cover the costs of 15-20 homes with about 10 percent going to administrative expenses for a qualified consultant, such as the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP). 

With EBCAP’s help, Barrington has already identified 13 homes with heating systems that are at least 50 years old. Five of those systems pose immediate health and safety issues or have poor efficiency. 

To qualify, an applicant must own the property and have an annual household income no more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Most people receiving assistance make no more than 60 percent of the AMI. 

The loan to a homeowner is forgiven after five years if the house has not been sold. If sold within five years, 100 percent of the loan must be repaid to the town.