Commissioners approve tax-exempt financing request for Camp For All expansion

Washington County commissioners on May 27 approved local actions required to support tax-exempt financing for Camp For All Foundation’s new campus and authorized the county judge to sign the necessary documents.

The action clears a procedural step commonly required for nonprofit bond or loan financing under federal rules; Camp For All told the court it is pursuing a $30 million bridge loan to support construction of a second campus and said the full campaign goal is $61.3 million, with $57.6 million raised so far.

Misty Sorrell, speaking for Camp For All, said the organization has started construction and that the bridge loan from Regions Bank will be secured by pledges rather than a lien on land. “We are building a second camp,” Sorrell said during the presentation. She described the loan as a short-term financing mechanism that will be repaid as pledged gifts are received. The court’s paperwork referenced federal requirements under Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code as part of the local review process.

County officials clarified the county is not entering into an interlocal agreement or providing land security; the action was to meet the legal steps required for tax-exempt financing approvals. The motion to approve and authorize the judge to sign passed without recorded opposition.

Camp For All provides residential and day programs for children and adults with serious illnesses and special needs; the organization said the new campus will roughly double its capacity. County staff did not identify any fiscal impact or county obligation tied to the loan beyond completing the procedural review and signatures.

The project’s proponents said construction is underway and fundraising continues. County officials did not present a timeline for any further county role, and Camp For All representatives said repayment of the bridge loan depends on receipt of pledged gifts.