Commissioners allocate affordable housing funds for lead remediation program

The Board of Commissioners approved resolution 281 on Sept. 2 to allocate dollars from the county’s affordable housing fund to support the county’s lead remediation program. Amy McKinney, planning director, and county staff said the affordable housing fund — financed by a recording fee collected in the recorder’s office — has been used previously for housing projects including Carpenter's Project, Mission Barn, and mortgage/down-payment assistance through Dawn Services.

McKinney said the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership will administer the lead remediation work for houses that require lead abatement as part of housing rehabilitation. Commissioners and the county controller confirmed the account has sufficient funds and that the item is an allocation from existing recorded-fee revenue rather than a new appropriation. The board approved the transfer by roll call; commissioners recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

McKinney said the fund accumulates with each deed or mortgage recording and that planned uses for other projects (Carpenter's Project, Mission Barn, Dawn Services mortgage assistance) are scheduled for the following year.