Chatham County

This policy brief and recommendation addresses the critical affordable housing challenges in Chatham County, particularly for essential workers and low-income families, exacerbated by rapid growth and escalating housing costs. It proposes a strategic investment of $10 million over 10 years to fund comprehensive affordable housing initiatives, including home preservation, rental development, and homeownership opportunities. The plan suggests achieving this investment through a modest property tax increase or bonding, with the aim of leveraging additional resources, accelerating the creation and preservation of housing units, ensuring a stable future workforce, enhancing community well-being, and sustaining economic growth.

The presentation covers the recommended budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, focusing on cautious revenue projections and careful service choices amid economic uncertainty. Key topics include maintaining the tax rate, the budget process involving public hearings and work sessions, and the goal to finalize the budget by June 15th. The budget prioritizes the debt model, support for Chatham County Schools, and critical services, with a risk mitigation strategy to delay non-essential expenditures. It also includes additions for detention officers, social service workers, and a substance abuse counselor, along with funding for family caregiver respite and a market pay study for county staff.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners held a work session to discuss several topics. These included shale gas deposits in Chatham County, a landfill siting study update, the County's participation in the International Code Council Conference, an update on the draft watershed protection ordinance, and comments regarding the US 64 Corridor Study. The board also discussed the Cary Land Use Plan.

The Board discussed a single-family rehabilitation project under the 2009 NC Housing Finance Agency Single Family Rehabilitation grant, focusing on funding and potential issues. They also reviewed a proposal for a Residential Energy Efficiency Program from the UNC Environmental Finance Center. Additionally, they discussed rules for obtaining library cards for Chatham County Libraries, particularly concerning children and the requirements for photo identification.

The meeting included a presentation of the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and a discussion on a resolution with the Town of Goldston to purchase a bond anticipation note. The Board also discussed revisions to the Watershed Protection Ordinance, specifically regarding the definitions of "Seeps and Springs" and "Ephemeral Streams." Additionally, there were reports from the County Manager and Commissioners, including discussions on fracking dates, Verizon's service expansion, Parker Farm land, and the Chatham-Cary Land Use Plan. The meeting concluded with a closed session for consulting with the County Attorney.