County reports results of winter homeowner tax-assistance program; nearly 500 awarded

Orange County’s housing department presented results from the winter Long-Time Homeowner Assistance Program — a locally funded tax-assistance effort run in collaboration with the tax office — reporting that the county received 604 applications and awarded assistance to roughly 502 households under the program’s funding parameters.

Program staff said awards ranged up to the program cap ($1,500 per household), with an average award of about $500 and a median award near $370. The program has expanded since an initial small pilot year; current allocations include a county appropriation of $250,000 plus a $75,000 contribution from Chapel Hill to assist town residents.

Program staff told the board the most common denial reason was an applicant’s failure to include a property tax bill with the application. The housing department later identified administrative savings to provide an additional $20,000 to assist some applicants who initially were denied for that reason and estimated final assistance would reach roughly 594 households after that supplemental allocation.

Demographic data presented showed awardees’ age and racial breakdowns roughly consistent with prior years; staff said they would provide the commissioners a debrief and recommendations after meeting with the tax office to streamline documentation requirements and outreach ahead of the next funding cycle.

Commissioners noted the program’s role as targeted tax relief as tax impacts from the school bond and other county budget changes are implemented and suggested continued evaluation of resources and outreach.