West Hamilton News

COMMISSIONERS ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS

Amid higher property taxes after the recent reappraisals, Hamilton County Commissioners approved the reallocation of $701,000 in federal funds to provide relief to eligible homeowners who are behind on their mortgage, property taxes and/or utility bills.

With the additional funding, the Hamilton County Mortgage, Property Tax and Utility Program now has $1.4 million available for homeowners to help cover the costs for up to six months of past-due mortgage, property taxes, and/or utilities for owner-occupied properties.

"At 513Relief Bus stops, at commission meetings and at community gatherings across Hamilton County, we have heard directly from homeowners about the need for help," said Commission President Alicia Reece. "This funding allows us to extend the program to help more homeowners who are struggling to stay in their homes, keep the lights on and help pay property taxes."

"We need to do what we can to help struggling homeowners pay property tax increases," said Commissioner Denise Driehaus. "As we spend down our ARPA funds we will continue to be nimble and respond as quickly as possible to the needs of the community."

"Words cannot express how gratified I am to offer additional relief to families who need help right now," said Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas. "We want to get the word out and make sure that it reaches every eligible homeowner in Hamilton County."

Hamilton County homeowners must have established connection to residence and be the applicant's primary residence (second homes, rental properties, Airbnb, and other similar type rentals are not eligible for assistance). Homeowners must have a household income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, a single-person household making less than $45,180 annually, or a three-person household making less than $77,460.

Commissioners are using dollars provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) to combat the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamilton County received $158.8 million from the United States Department of the Treasury to support the Board's response to and recovery from the Pandemic. Commissioners reallocated backstop funding left over from the Rent and Utility assistance program that ended in October 2023.

To date, the Commissioners, through the work of Hamilton County Job and Family Services, have provided mortgage assistance to about 1,000 residents. Homeowners can apply on the County's COVID-Relief website 513Relief.org and applications can be submitted on a smart phone. If a homeowner experiences internet or computer troubles, the United Way 211 Care Navigators can help.

Original source can be found here.