Board approves new tax relief program for low‑income long‑term homeowners; staff to start outreach

Jason Smith, director of housing and community development, presented the design for a new Chatham County tax‑relief program and the board approved implementation on Jan. 21.

The program is intended to provide short, targeted relief to low‑income homeowners who have been long‑term residents and face property tax burdens that could jeopardize home retention. Smith noted the board had previously appropriated $200,000 to begin a pilot program; staff presented eligibility rules and operational plans so the program can begin this tax season.

Eligibility presented to the board includes: Chatham County residency; primary residence; at least five years’ occupancy; current (not delinquent) on tax bills; household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI); and initial program year design would not permit recipients to simultaneously receive other tax‑relief benefits. The maximum benefit in the first year is up to $500 per qualifying household, capped at 50% of the household’s tax bill. Smith explained the policy choice was intended to stretch limited funds to assist the maximum number of households in year one while staff gathers data to refine eligibility and amounts for future years.

Applications will be accepted online and in person (paper applications available at DSS and the tax office). Staff said outreach will include a flyer stapled to late notices in February and a flyer with tax bills in August to reach taxpayers at key moments. The program will be administered through the housing office so it can coordinate with other housing‑related services and track cross‑program referrals; staff will gather application and denial reasons to guide future policy adjustments.

Commissioners discussed program goals and asked staff to consider whether the initial restriction on receiving other relief should be loosened in later years; Smith said the restriction is a starting point to ensure county funds spread to the greatest number of households in year one but can be revisited with year‑one data. After discussion, the board approved the program by voice vote and directed staff to begin outreach and intake. Staff will report back with data from the first program cycle and recommendations for any parameter changes for year two.

Ending: Staff will stand up the online application portal, coordinate paper application distribution at DSS and tax office, attach outreach flyers to late notices in February and to tax bills in August, and return to the board after the first round of applications with a program evaluation and any recommended changes.