The Harnett County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 approved several grant applications and routine contract and administrative items, including a letter of support for a proposed microtransit pilot, an application for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency urgent repair funds, and a bookmobile contract for the Harnett County Public Library.

Housing repairs: Miss Blake, presenting the urgent repair program administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, said the 2027 program totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide and is competitive. She told commissioners the program is intended to "help people who have problems in their home that cannot be fixed any other way," and described it as focused on repairs (not full rehabilitation). Blake said a $75 application fee is required and staff recommended a $1,000 local match from community development to improve competitiveness. The board voted to apply; Blake said housing finance would likely notify selected organizations by mid-year and the county would begin accepting applications in fiscal year 2027 on a first-come, first-served basis subject to income limits.

Microtransit support letter: Staff described a Golden Leaf Community-Based Grants application to fund a microtransit system (an on-demand, Uber-style public service). Miss Blake said the county requested five vehicles, planned to operate in a geofenced area with a $7 expected one-way fare and would prioritize trips related to employment and training to meet Golden Leaf requirements while allowing other riders to fill seats. Staff cautioned the board that Golden Leaf funding is competitive (Blake said the foundation funds many counties and the county is competing with several other applicants) and that, without grant funding, implementation could be delayed two to three years. The board approved a letter of support.

Library bookmobile and other routine approvals: A library representative presented a final contract with TechOps to build a mobile outreach vehicle with a wheelchair lift; commissioners approved the contract. The board also approved a temporary easement to the Town of Andrew for sidewalk construction near Andrew Elementary School, accepted multiple boards-and-committees recommendations and approved budget amendments requested by the finance director. Manager Brent Trout asked the board to authorize the chairman to sign grant contracts to fund a fuel farm construction project; commissioners approved that authorization. Finally, following a motion citing North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11, the board voted to go into closed session to discuss economic development and personnel matters.

Why it matters: The housing and transit grant applications could expand services for homeowners in need of repairs and for residents seeking access to employment; the microtransit pilot, if funded, would create an on-demand local transportation option and require new vehicles and drivers. The package of approvals also keeps several county projects and administrative steps on schedule.

What happens next: Staff will finalize applications and include grant-funded items in the FY2027 budget if awarded; if Golden Leaf funding is not awarded, staff said the microtransit plan could be postponed until future budgets allow vehicle purchases and ongoing operating costs.