News

Hunt, residents open up at town hall meeting

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Joshua Benedetti
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Hunt Family Housing and Minol Utility Management held a town hall meeting for on-base residents to address housing issues at the Columbus Club April 30. Over 125 Columbus AFB residents attended to discuss contentious topics such as utility allowances, billing and repairs.

Representing Hunt was its community director, Kessler Cowans and its maintenance director, Chris Murff, who both acknowledge improved communication between the company and the residents is needed.

"Recently, concerns have been brought to our attention regarding communication. We are focusing on the improvement of our communication," said Cowans.

Cowans said Hunt will begin improving communication by utilizing Facebook, email notifications, communicating directly with command, briefing the first sergeants and briefing more information during the monthly Resident Representative meetings.

Addressing concerns about maintenance, Murff described the reinstatement of the preventative maintenance program for all base homes which will update plumbing, air conditioning and appliances, among other things. Many residents expressed concerns about the energy efficiency of the homes, problems with mold and algae growth as well as customer service.

"We want to fix these problems. If you have an issue, please let us know and we will address it as soon as possible," said Murff.

Lt. Col. David Meissen, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander, encouraged base residents to follow the dispute resolution process if they have an issue. Problems should be brought to Hunt's attention first and if it is not addressed to satisfaction, it should then be brought up to the housing liaison team within the 14 CES. If the issue persists, then the resident should go to his or her first sergeant or squadron commander.

Utility billing company, Minol Utility Management, was represented by their associate director, Lisa Poste. She explained a new Department of Defense directed utility allowance method, which went into effect January 2014. Previously, residents were allotted flat rate utility allowances each month which were based on their home size. Now DoD policy mandates a seasonal allowance for each resident that is based on average consumption during different months of the year. Residents can expect higher allowances in the summer months when energy consumption is higher but less in the winter months when consumption is lower.

"Seasonal application of utility allowances provides a larger portion of the allowance to be used in higher-consumption months, resulting in lower out of pocket expense for residents that have consumed over their allowance," said Poste.

Residents expressed concern over abnormally high utility expenses in the months of January and February; stating the new seasonally adjusted rate did not cover those expenses so residents were left paying much more out of pocket. Poste attributed these higher bills to record breaking low temperatures in those months, but assured residents the seasonal allowance method is designed to average out during the summer months.

"The goal of the seasonal utility allowance program is 'net zero' impact to residents," said Poste.

Residents were given the opportunity to express any issues or grievances they might have. Over the course of several hours, more than a dozen residents stood up to ask questions directly to the representatives of Hunt and Minol.

Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, closed out the discussion by encouraging accountability and open lines of communication between residents and Hunt.

"We need you to be honest because we can't help you unless we know what needs to be fixed," said Sears. "Hold me accountable; hold your commander accountable and hold the Hunt team accountable."