Pilot Point will reapply for the Home Grant Program following council approval at the Dec. 12 meeting.
Council members asked for a variety of specifics on the program before approving it, including the square footage of the homes, the financial impact to taxpayers, new tax impact to the homeowners, how requests for proposal to builders are fielded, if the homes previously built through the program are still occupied and in good condition, and if the current allotments could produce homes in line with current ordinances.
“There is a responsibility from the city, which we discussed a little bit in July,” Mayor Elisa Beasley said. “Our portion we pay is 4%, and we can utilize things like the program to tear down homes. ... Our participation can also be done through waiving fees.”
Council member Ray Dane asked about the 4%, seeing that the number will rise as population rises over time.
“Your population is 4,371 on the latest census data, and that’s what they go by,” program consultant Kathy Boyles said.
City Manager Britt Lusk urged the council to remember that even the small contribution of 4% of $175,000 or $200,000 depending on home size can add up in the budget.
“A 4% match for $175,000 is about $8,000 if it’s a cash match,” Lusk said. “If you’re going to do 10 homes, that’s an $80,000 budget line item. I know there are some inkind matches we can do, but we may not be able to reach that $8,000 with just permit fees and inspections on some of these homes. So, I think to make sure council has an understanding, that does still impact the budget.”
Local builder and developer Nathan Brown approached the dais to weigh in on the program.
“Number one, it’s awesome that we’re talking about this,” Brown said. “From a business standpoint, it’s great that the dollar amount has gone up since last time. As a builder, it’s very achievable, just so you guys know. Not only is it achievable, but it also raises the quality and standard of the home. To say this is needed is an understatement.”
Council unanimously approved the program, including hiring an outside consultant for $1,000 recommended by Boyles to expedite the application process, though further specifi cs on the exact number of homes the city will approve per year are to come pending approval from the state.
“For your consideration and Michele’s health, we probably need to look at setting numbers and realizing what the true impact on the budget could actually be,” Lusk said.
Later in the meeting, council moved forward on the old police station remodel with plans to totally renovate the building into city offices and a large conference room on the second floor, which would be open to the public for private rentals.
“In the first floor, we’ve talked about taking some of the old bank vault doors and making some displays under the stairways,” Conquest Design and Development Group CEO Andrew Gerdes said. “One of the main things is to develop this and set the tone for the redevelopment of the Square.”
Assistant City Manager Michele Sanchez said $1.6 million in bond monies is available for the renovation.
The council approved of the plans as a whole, though Beasley led the conversation for swapping the layout of the second and third floors to nods of approval from the rest of the dais.
“I’d like to see the third floor more for the community,” Beasley said. “You’re the expert on this, but I’d like to see the second and third floors switch where the third floor is more something the community can utilize. I think this is going to be the first three-story building in the Square, and I’d love to see a way to throw those balconies or a porch somewhere on the top. It’s just a beautiful space.”
Council concluded the update with approval to staff to move forward and have a few additional plans drawn up reflecting their direction for the second and third floor swap.
