Affordable Housing Committee: Neighborhood Assistance Program budget rises to $544,000 after grant

The Affordable Housing Committee on Sept. 5 was briefed that the Neighborhood Assistance Program’s fiscal year 2025 budget stands at $544,000 after the town council approved $400,000 and the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust awarded a $144,000 grant on Aug. 22.

Staff member said the program has completed repairs on 11 homes at a total cost of $91,192, provided septic pumpouts or public services for four homes totaling $2,674, and performed one tree service at $200. Five additional homes are in the queue awaiting contractor estimates for work such as roofing, flooring, tree service and bathroom plumbing.

“Most of it has been in the home repair line item with the 11 homes,” the staff member said, adding that an Excel breakdown was submitted last week to show where funds have been spent. Staff reiterated that reports are filed one week before meetings.

Contractors named by staff as providing estimates include Warriors Construction, Superior Services and Alpha Construction. Staff said two contractors from earlier staffing (Rob and Sydney from Building Safety) are now handling site visits formerly done by Richard Spruce, who is no longer with the program.

Committee members asked procedural questions and were told that income verification typically takes about a week before work commences. Staff said applications continue to be accepted and encouraged members to refer eligible households.

The committee formally approved the July 11 minutes by voice vote earlier in the meeting; no other formal actions or budget votes were recorded during this session. The committee will receive a consolidated list of the workshop’s top five priorities from staff for follow-up.