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Hamilton County ARPA committee eyes reallocation of up to $1.65M as Stoney Creek housing finance falters
Summary
The committee discussed moving roughly $1.65 million from stalled housing allocations into drainage and utility projects after County Attorney Connor Sullivan warned Stoney Creek Townhomes could lose tax credits within about 10 days unless financing or a PILOT arrangement is secured.
Hamilton County’s American Rescue Plan Act Committee discussed reallocating roughly $1.65 million in ARPA funds on Oct. 2 as members pressed for quick contracts and contingency plans for projects at risk.
The meeting focused on two housing allocations — a $250,000 Section 42 workforce housing allotment and a $1.4 million Affordable Housing set‑aside — and whether those dollars should instead address drainage or utility needs if the housing projects cannot meet federal obligation deadlines. "The goal is to get these projects obligated which means under contract," said Todd Clevenger, Auditor grant administrator.
Why it matters: County Attorney Connor Sullivan told the committee the Stoney Creek Townhomes project faces a narrow window to preserve tax‑credit financing, saying the developer could "lose their credits" in fewer than 10 days unless financing is resolved. Sullivan said the developer has asked for a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) to secure tax‑exempt status and improve upfront cash for development fees, but it is unclear whether the city must also approve such a status.
Committee members pressed for paperwork and budgets that would clarify the project’s drainage costs and how a PILOT would change the financing. Commissioner Christine Altman said she wanted to reserve $100,000 — citing a $60,000 conceptual plan bid — to keep planning options available if the referendum or financing fails. "If they do that the bank financing will give them more cash up front," Sullivan said, describing how a PILOT can function like a 30‑year abatement.
Officials discussed alternative uses for the funds if Stoney Creek cannot proceed, including additional fairgrounds drainage work and an estimated $300,000 regulated‑drain project at Connor Prairie. Surveyor Kenton Ward said he would check the status of the Connor Prairie drain project. Director of Administration Lee Buckingham noted some projects are already in procurement steps and that unobligated ARPA funds must be under contract within a short timeframe to meet federal requirements.
The committee was told a Comcast broadband contract under review should appear on the Commissioners’ Oct. 14 agenda, which would obligate the broadband set‑aside of about $230,772. Clevenger confirmed $21,304.10 remains available for reappropriation from the project list.
What's next: The committee scheduled a follow‑up ARPA meeting for Oct. 14 to resolve allocations and review any submitted transfer paperwork. Several committee members urged prioritizing projects already underway or those that can be contracted quickly to satisfy the federal obligation timelines.
