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Martin County accepts $190,000 NCHFA award to rehab owner-occupied homes; adopts policies and timeline
Summary
The board approved acceptance of a $190,000 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool award and adopted policies governing eligibility, procurement, loan terms (0% forgivable loans up to $30,000) and a timeline for applications and construction.
Martin County commissioners unanimously accepted a $190,000 award from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) on March 10 and adopted the program documents needed to administer the 2021 Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (ESFRLP21).
Mike Barnette of McDavid Associates presented program details: the award targets owner-occupied homes with moderate essential repair needs, occupied by households at or below 80% of area median income and with an elderly, disabled, veteran household member, or a child age six or younger in homes with lead hazards. The county's initial set-aside of $190,000 is expected to assist up to five houses; additional "loan-pool" funds may become available later as units are completed.
Under the adopted Assistance Policy, hard construction costs will be financed by 0% interest forgivable loans for eligible households (loan limits up to $30,000, forgiven at $5,000 per year while the owner continues to reside in the home). Soft costs such as lead and asbestos testing, environmental reviews and administrative expenses will be covered by grants (up to $10,000). The program also requires lead hazard evaluations for homes built before 1978 and RR&P-certified contractors for pre-1978 work.
County staff and McDavid outlined the ranking criteria for applicants (age/disability, income band, veteran status, lead hazards, clear title, and other bonus points) and detailed the timeline: applications available July 1, 2021; submission deadline Oct. 31, 2021; selection by Dec. 15, 2021; contract execution by Dec. 31, 2023; project completion by June 30, 2024.
The board approved a Program Budget Ordinance, contract signing authority, requisition/project access authorizations, and the Assistance, Disbursement and Procurement policies needed for NCHFA's Post Approval Documentation. All motions related to ESFRLP implementation passed 5-0.
County officials said McDavid Associates will manage program administration and coordinate procurement and inspections as required by NCHFA rules.
