Board approves tax-exempt designation for two Fairview Housing properties

The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an ordinance exempting two Fairview Housing properties from county taxation and adding them to Appendix D of the county code.

Mr. Ball moved to approve the ordinance to exempt the two parcels; Wayne Stevens seconded the motion. Mr. Snodgrass had opened the public hearing and said the applicant had provided information required by the statute to establish 501(c)(3) status and to answer statutory questions about operations. The chair closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke in opposition.

Bob Garrett, representing Fairview Housing Management Corporation, described the properties and their services: one parcel operates a women's lifestyle recovery program and the other, Green Acres Assisted Living, a 78-bed facility serving low-income residents with mental health and addiction needs. Garrett gave program figures, saying since opening in August 2023 they had "served 178 women" and recorded "over 65,000 hours of screening, assessment, planning, treatment team meetings, and counseling services." He said many residents had moved into employment after treatment.

Board members asked that the ordinance list the parcels as Lot 54 and Lot 54C in Appendix D for clarity. Mr. Snodgrass confirmed the county follows the questions in the state code when reviewing these applications and that other assisted-living providers could apply through the same process if they qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations.

The board approved the ordinance by voice vote and concluded the item.