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Wilson County sets public hearing to consider participation in North Carolina C-PACE program
Summary
The board approved a resolution declaring intent and set a public hearing in July to consider participating in the state C-PACE financing program, which allows long-term liens for energy and resiliency building improvements.
The Wilson County Board of Commissioners voted June 2 to adopt a resolution declaring the county's intent to consider participation in the North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program and to hold a public hearing on the program in July 2025.
Jennifer Lance, Wilson County economic development counselor, described the C-PACE program to the board: "It's a program that exists in a number of states across The United States... a company can use up to 35% of their property's value, and there are specific things that can be financed." Lance said eligible work can include long-lived energy, water-efficiency and resilience measures, such as new roofing membranes, stormwater improvements, or energy-efficiency upgrades.
Lance said the county's role under the program is limited: local government places a lien on participating properties (a process similar to a deed of trust) but assumes no financial or legal liability for loans. Participation requires a local resolution, a public hearing, and subsequent application review by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and EDPNC. Lance said local governments receive a $500 processing fee when a deal closes and the county attorney's fees associated with placing the lien would be paid from the closing proceeds. She also noted that lenders typically place the C-PACE lien in second position behind county taxes.
Board members asked which North Carolina counties have already adopted C-PACE; Lance and other commissioners referenced New Hanover and Union counties and said Wake County was considering participation. Commissioners discussed that refinancing or bank consent may be required where a property has an existing mortgage because the lien positions matter.
A motion to approve the resolution declaring intent and scheduling a public hearing was made, seconded and carried by the board. The public hearing is scheduled for the July 2025 meeting; any specific C-PACE projects or loan liens would return to the board for individual review before the county places a lien.
