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Commission approves Option C to help elderly resident bring temporary RV into compliance
Summary
After public comment from neighbors who organized short-term housing for an elderly resident living in an RV, the board approved Option C to place the resident into the county’s housing placement process and allow the temporary RV to become code-compliant.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a staff-recommended housing pathway Jan. 21 to help a 70‑year‑old resident, identified in public comment as Aubrey Jacobs, whose condemned house led community volunteers to secure an RV for temporary shelter.
Neighbor Angie Clifton and Michael Peters told the board they and a group of community leaders secured a recreational vehicle and built a ramp so Jacobs could live safely while a longer-term plan was sought. Clifton said the RV “is not in compliance with Marion County code” and asked the board to approve Option C so Jacobs could enter the county’s housing placement program. Michael Peters described the resident as elderly, disabled and “on a fixed income” and said the volunteer effort is seeking a permanent housing solution.
After public comment and brief discussion, Commissioner Stone moved to approve the item identified on the agenda as 7.1.2 under Option C; Commissioner Zalick seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
What Option C does: County staff described Option C as the board’s authorization to permit the temporary RV arrangement to be addressed through the county’s housing placement process and to allow the property to move toward code compliance while the placement process proceeds. The board’s approval enables county staff to work directly with the community group handling temporary housing and to pursue placement options that may include the community housing placement program.
Why it matters: Petitioners said the resident has no family available to assist and is caring for a dog that belonged to her late husband. Neighbors said the resident lives on a fixed income (public comment reported it as under $16,000 per year) and that the volunteer group raised funds quickly to secure temporary housing and build accessibility improvements.
Board action: The board’s approval was recorded as unanimous on the motion by Commissioner Stone, seconded by Commissioner Zalick. Commissioners and staff thanked the volunteers and asked staff to coordinate follow-up with the community group.
Ending: Commissioners congratulated the volunteers and directed staff to proceed with administrative steps to place the resident into the housing placement program and work on bringing the temporary RV into compliance.
