In a recent government meeting, Shelby County commissioners discussed several key issues, including the allocation of funds for community projects and the introduction of a property tax relief program aimed at assisting low-income seniors, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans.

Commissioner Ford raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of a previous $300,000 allocation to the Greater Whitehaven organization, noting that only $50,000 had been drawn down over two years, with $250,000 still unutilized. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in how these funds are managed and utilized.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by small and minority-owned businesses in accessing ICE loans. Commissioner Sugarman requested a breakdown of these loans, revealing that over 80% of the businesses receiving ICE loans were black-owned. The loans are structured as forgivable over three years, contingent on the businesses remaining operational.

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed ordinance for a property tax relief matching program, which aims to provide financial assistance to eligible property owners. The program requires a minimum allocation of $2.5 million annually and has garnered support from multiple commissioners. However, questions arose regarding the availability of data on the populations served by the program, with Commissioner Thornton seeking clarity on the number of eligible low-income seniors and disabled veterans in Shelby County.

Additionally, a resolution was introduced to allocate $27,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Community Legal Center for an elder abuse program. While commissioners expressed support for the initiative, concerns were raised about the implications of amending the budget and the potential for duplicating funding sources.

The meeting concluded with a favorable recommendation for the property tax relief program and the elder abuse initiative, reflecting a commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in Shelby County.