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Mitchell County supervisors authorize $50,000 for local housing "fill out" program
Summary
Mitchell County supervisors voted to authorize $50,000 from local option sales tax to continue a housing rehabilitation program after staff reported a current balance of $22,065 and one pending $10,000 application. Supervisors debated lump-sum allocation versus paying on an as-needed basis before approving the request.
Mitchell County's Board of Supervisors voted July 7 to authorize $50,000 from local option sales tax to continue the county's housing "fill out" program, which assists property owners with rehabilitation to create new housing opportunities.
Jenny Holt, the presenter listed on the agenda, told the board the program currently has a balance of $22,065 and that one applicant has requested $10,000. "So the current balance is $22,065," she said, and that the requested $50,000 would "continue to offer that program" and help transform properties into opportunities for new homes. Holt said the program has helped convert 19 properties since it began and that employers have reported housing shortages that the program helps address.
Several supervisors questioned whether the board should allocate a large lump sum up front or approve funds on an as-needed basis. One supervisor asked, "why wouldn't we do this on an as needed basis?" citing the small number of recent applicants. A fellow supervisor urged keeping a larger balance to avoid repeated budget amendments, saying bulk allocations reduce administrative work. Another member argued the system is functioning and suggested the current approach be retained.
Board members also discussed practicalities about previously approved grants, including one allocation paid out to an applicant who has since died and whose estate matters complicate project completion. Holt said some approved amounts have been allocated but not yet paid because projects were not finished.
After discussion, the board approved the motion to authorize $50,000 from local option sales tax funds for the fill out program. Roll-call responses recorded ayes from multiple supervisors; the board moved to implement the allocation and continue administering grants through the county's economic development procedures.
The authorization directs staff to proceed with program disbursements under existing application and approval processes; supervisors said they may revisit the funding level if application demand changes.
