A Henrico resident told the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 14 that the county should terminate its Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program (EHPAP) rather than amend it.

Faye Weems, who introduced herself during the public-comment period, said the program gives county employees an unfair advantage in the housing market and warned it is expanding beyond its original intent. She noted the program provides up to $25,000 as an interest-free, 100% forgivable loan for first-time buyers who remain county employees for five years and said the program currently qualifies participants with liquid assets below $30,000. The ordinance before the board would raise that asset limit to $50,000.

“Given the size of the county's budget, I am not especially concerned about the $2,000,000 allocated for the first year or the same amount allocated for the second year of the program. I am concerned that the county seems to think it is appropriate for its employees to go to the front of the line,” Weems said.

County attorney Andrew Newby told the speaker and the board that the amendment was advertised for a public hearing on Jan. 28 and that the board could vote to adopt the ordinance at that meeting. Copies of the ordinance are available for public inspection, Newby said; written comments may also be submitted in advance.

Why it matters: the program uses county funds to incentivize employee home purchases and may affect perceptions of fairness in a tight housing market. The proposed change — increasing the assets‑eligibility threshold from $30,000 to $50,000 — would expand the pool of eligible employees.

What’s next: the board will take public comment and hold a public hearing Jan. 28 on the ordinance to amend and reordain the Henrico County Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program; the board may vote on adoption at that meeting.