York County board approves permissive exemptions for Grace Children’s Home after public testimony

The York County Board of Commissioners approved permissive tax-exemption applications for Grace Children’s Home following a public hearing and discussion on May 23.

At the hearing, Roger Siebert said he has seen the home’s evolution and urged approval, describing volunteer-run equine therapy and other services that, he said, rely on voluntary donations rather than charging clients. An opposing resident told the board that exemptions historically covered religious activities but warned that such exemptions can become a “money hunt,” urging careful review.

Mark Danielson, executive director of Grace Children’s Home, told the board the organization is focused on reducing repeat entries into foster care and offered to provide written parent testimonials. Danielson said the program’s sessions increased from about 500 to roughly 600 since the board last met on the issue. Marty Blocker, who identified himself as an employee of Grace Children’s Home, gave a first-person account of the organization’s horse-therapy work and said the program does not charge families for services.

After discussion — including concerns from one commissioner about some properties where employees live — Kirk moved to approve the exemption applications and a fellow commissioner seconded. The board took a roll-call vote; the motion carried with the majority in favor and Commissioner Rhodes recorded a no vote.

The board’s action approves Grace Children’s Home’s permissive-exemption applications as presented. Members asked staff to note properties where employee residency could raise follow-up questions but did not reverse the board’s decision at the meeting.

The Board of Equalization had opened the public hearing earlier in the session and closed it before the board voted. The decision was taken during the board’s May 23 meeting; no appeal or additional procedural steps were announced at the meeting.