Hechoka founder urges county to honor tiny‑house exemption checkbox, says legal fees and process remain unresolved

At the Burke County Board of Commissioners’ informal public‑comment period on Sept. 15, Kimberly Clark, who identified herself as founder of the nonprofit Hechoka, told the board the organization is grateful for recently granted tax‑exempt status but said “all of the items have not been addressed.”

Clark said Hechoka had an ongoing dispute that led to a lawsuit and said the suit “was dismissed without any consultation from our attorney,” adding the organization feels it was not kept in the loop on county actions. She asked the board to recognize a ‘‘low‑to‑moderate income tiny house’ checkbox as part of the exemption documentation, saying that was the box the organization checked when it applied.

Marsha Love, who identified herself as a board member with Hechoka, reiterated that the multi‑year process and delayed responses resulted in attorney fees and urged the county to resolve remaining issues before the new program year so they can move forward with the tiny‑house project already on site.

The chair thanked the speakers and closed the public comment period. No board response action or vote addressing the specific appeals was recorded at the meeting.

What speakers said: “We’re grateful for the tax exemption, but all of the items have not been addressed,” Clark said. Love said the three‑year process “has led to the attorney involvement and fees accrued,” and urged expedited resolution.

What’s next: The meeting record shows the comments were placed on the public record. The board did not take immediate formal action on the requests during the Sept. 15 meeting; further follow‑up would require staff or commissioner direction at a subsequent meeting or through clerk‑staff channels.