Housing office addresses upcoming privatization

  • Published
  • By By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The U.S. Air Force selected Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC to privatize military family housing for the Western Group Bases, to include Whiteman Air Force Base.

In an effort to improve family housing options for this Air Force Global Strike Command community, the Air Force has reinvigorated the military housing privatization initiative here.

"While housing privatization is new to Whiteman AFB, it is not new to the Air Force," said Kevin Jensen, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron capital asset manager. "Whiteman AFB is making every effort to inform residents living on base and future residents about privatized housing and the changes taking place."

BBC, in partnership with the installation, is scheduled to hold town hall meetings in early December to discuss privatized housing in more detail. Mass lease signings are scheduled to occur after the town hall meeting. The following is designed to address frequently asked questions prior to the town hall meeting.

1. Do I have to live in privatized housing?
Privatized housing is only mandatory for military members who are considered key and essential. Whiteman currently has 29 positions designated as key and essential, mostly consisting of command positions. Those who do not fall in this category may choose to live off-base or in privatized housing.

2. What if I don't like the options provided to me when I am offered privatized housing?
If the military member is not satisfied with what is available in privatized housing, he/she may choose to live off-base. The Whiteman AFB Housing Management Office will assist the military member by providing referral services regarding local real estate rental property listings and contacts.

3. How are rental rates determined and what does my rent include?
Initially, rent will be equal to 100 percent of member's basic allowance for housing at the dependent rate. Once electric and gas meters are installed, which is estimated to occur within the first five years of privatization, rent will equal the member's BAH at the dependent rate minus 110 percent of the average utility cost. Until meters are installed, rent will include electric, gas, refuse collection, water and sewer, common area grounds and facility care. Once meters are installed and average utility rates are established, electric and gas will be paid from the member's utility allowance. For example: If a member's BAH is $1,000 and the average electric and gas cost is $100, rent would be $1,000 minus $110 ($100 x 110 percent) which would equal $890. The $890 rent allotment is deducted from the member's BAH. The remaining $110 (utility allowance) will be available to the member to pay for their electric and gas costs based on metered usage.

4. Is privatized housing cheaper than houses in the local community?
The cost of privatized housing relative to off-base housing depends on what is available in the local community.

5. Will I have to sign a lease to live in privatized housing?
Privatized housing is a private sector housing option like other off-base rental options. Therefore, a Tenant Lease Agreement must be signed.

For more information about housing privatization, contact the Whiteman Base Housing Office at 660-687-7692.