12/28/2011 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The 341st Missile Wing Vice Commander Col. Robert Stanley and officials from Balfour Beatty Communities hosted two town hall meetings at the base theater Dec. 15 to discuss housing privatization.
"These town hall meetings are scheduled to try and take the mystery out of this idea of housing privatization," Stanley said. "In our military, it's absolutely vital that we complete the mission while taking care of the people supporting that mission. We think we've found a way to do that with housing while reducing cost to the military yet improving your quality of life, and it's through this idea of housing privatization."
Malmstrom Air Force Base is currently scheduled for a March 1 transfer date, with lease signing to begin next month after the Air Force's final approval.
"Come March 1, we start building a relationship with Airmen, which is the most important thing to us. That relationship is huge," said John Schaaf, BBC regional vice president. "We will then start the construction schedule and daily operations for the next 50 years; the life of our contract."
Balfour Beatty Communities has big plans for Malmstrom housing to include: adding fences to the 179 homes in Minuteman Village; adding rear patios to the 274 homes in Jupiter Village; renovating various homes in Matador Manor; adding dog parks, lighted walking trails and picnic areas; and demolishing 52 homes for the construction of a new community center and maintenance facility.
"It's going to be a great facility for the families who reside in housing," Schaaf said. "I'm excited about this because, at 12,000 square feet, it's the biggest and best community center we've ever built. The center will have an indoor swimming pool, basketball court, meeting rooms and an area for your parties and get-togethers at no cost to you. We'll also have a multi-purpose sports field outside."
Schaaf then handed things over to Pat Hoppaugh, BBC Western Group area community manager and retired senior master sergeant, to further discuss Balfour Beatty's commitment to its residents.
"My father was in the military and I grew up in base housing," said Hoppaugh. "I've seen the good and bad and Balfour Beatty is a company who believes in military families."
According to Hoppaugh, BBC's housing goals are simple: 1. Provide servicemembers and their families with quality housing, 2. Improve the quality and appearance of residential communities, 3. Enhance each resident's lifestyle and 4. Provide effective and efficient operating and maintenance programs.
Currently, BBC and Malmstrom are reviewing plans and setting conditions for the transfer date to ensure a smooth transition for all. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/MalmstromHomes.
Question & Answer
Q1. Who is Balfour Beatty Communities?
A1. Balfour Beatty Communities is currently in exclusive negotiations with the Air Force to be the private sector partner for the Western Group area housing (Malmstrom, Whiteman, Beale and F.E. Warren Air Force Bases).
Q2. How much will my rent be?
A2. The rent will equal the servicemembers Basic Allowance for Housing.
Q3. What does my BAH cover?
A3. A servicemember's BAH covers rent, utilities (minus phone, cable and Internet), as well as personal property insurance in the amount of $20,000 with a $250 deductible.
Q4. If both spouses are servicemembers, will both have to forfeit BAH?
A4. Dual military will pay rent equal to the "with dependents" BAH of the higher-ranking spouse. The second spouse will collect their "single rate" BAH in their Leave and Earning Statement.
Q5. How will I pay my rent?
A5. Signing the lease will give BBC permission to collect rent by allotment. Basic Allowance for Housing will then be wired automatically. The member's LES will show both a BAH payment and allotment.
Q6. What is the initial term of the lease?
A6. Balfour Beatty Communities has proposed the first term of the lease to be for one year, after which it will revert to a month-to-month basis.
Q7. When will lease signing begin?
Q7. Lease signing is scheduled to begin in January 2012; however, the lease document is currently awaiting Air Force approval.
Q8. If I am moving out during March or April, do I still have to sign the lease? Why?
A8. Yes. To live in privatized housing, even for the shortest period of time, one must sign a lease. This lease protects both the managing company and servicemember.
Q9. Can the lease be signed by spouses if the servicemember is away?
A9. The lease can be signed by a spouse with a Special Power of Attorney (obtained through the Legal office).
Q10. Will my personal information on the lease and related forms be kept private?
A10. Yes. Absolutely.
Q11. What happens if I get orders and must break my lease before one year?
A11. The lease provides provisions to terminate for Permanent Change of Station orders or temporary duty (TDY) in excess of 90 days with the standard 30 day notice required.
Q12. What if I decide to break my lease for other reasons, prior to the first term expiration?
Q12. If a resident decides to break their lease before one year they will be required to provide a 30 day notice and will likely pay a lease termination fee.
Q13. Will BAH impact WIC and/or free lunch programs?
Q13. No, BAH is currently not counted as income when calculating eligibility for these federally-funded programs.
Q14. Will BAH impact the Earned Income Credit?
A14. No, BAH is not counted as taxable income.
Q15. Are pets welcome in housing?
A15. Yes, all pets that residents currently have may stay; however, the current policy on restricted breeds cannot be waived.
Q16. Will pets need to be registered?
A16. Yes, pets must be registered with the Community Management Office. At lease signing, all residents will be required to sign a pet addendum. A new pet addendum will also need to be executed if pet status changes.
Q17. In the future, will I have to pay utilities for my home?
A17. Utilities (gas, electric, water and sewer) are included in the rent. Once all homes have meters installed, consumption and costs will be tracked for one year. During this year, residents will receive a mock/void bill.
Q18. When will homes be metered?
Q18. Homes will be metered during the initial development period.
Q19. What will the process be for clearing quarters after privatization is final?
A19. The process will be similar to Military Family Housing. The BBC resident guide will provide specific instructions for clearing quarters and cleaning standards. Residents may also opt to pay for cleaning.
Q20. How/Where can the lease be reviewed before signing.
A20. Balfour Beatty Communities' Web site is currently under construction. For now, visit www.facebook.com/MalmstromHomes.