Bluffton committee reviews $544,000 neighborhood assistance budget; employee credits homebuyer aid

Town staff told the Bluffton Affordable Housing Committee on Dec. 5 that the Neighborhood Assistance Program budget for fiscal year 2025 totals $544,000 after Town Council approved $400,000 and the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust awarded a $144,000 grant. Staff said the grant will be distributed in quarterly installments and the town has already received the first $50,000.

According to the staff memo, as of the packet submission 19 homes had received home repairs totaling $138,946. Staff later reported that 26 homes have been serviced so far in the fiscal year and that the program is holding about $400,000 in available funds pending additional invoices and estimates. Staff asked committee members and community partners to refer families in need rather than allow staff to solicit door‑to‑door.

During public comment, Andrea, who identified herself as a town of Bluffton employee, described how the town’s new homebuyer assistance program helped her pay her mortgage. "Today marks the payment of my second mortgage payment," she said, and thanked the committee, HR, and the town’s employee programs for their role in her home purchase. She said the program is confidential and available to town employees.

Committee members asked about program administration and whether a designated town person helps employees with housing issues. Andrea said there is no single designated staff member; HR and the community‑works program coordinate requests. Staff clarified that the program outlines eligibility and application procedures and has been published to employees.

The committee also took a procedural action to accept the November minutes; a motion and second were recorded and an affirmative vote was taken.

Staff said they expect a larger report in January as new estimates and invoices are processed.