The county will re-apply for a grant to rehabilitate dilapidated homes at no cost to the homeowner.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission adopted a resolution authorizing the filing of an application for $500,000 in funding through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Home Grant program, which would help bring a certain number of dilapidated homes up to code. The limit of assistance per household is $40,000.
The county and City of Smithville each applied for the grants last year but neither received approval.
Homeowners who have at least one codes violation would be able to submit an application. Once received, the applications would be ranked based on a number of criteria, such as household income and the home’s location. Approved houses would be upgraded at no expense to the homeowner, with a maximum amount that can be applied toward each house. Funding restrictions apply, such as the home must be a single family dwelling and owner occupied (not a rental or manufactured). Funds must also be limited to existing structures.
Funding can only go toward homes that can be rehabilitated to meet housing codes using up to the limited amount.
Cities and counties who apply will learn if they are approved for the grants later this year after a THDA board meeting.
In other business, the commission approved the reappointment of Donny Green as Chief of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department and David Agee as Assistant Chief for the next year.
County Mayor Tim Stribling announced that members of the Fire Department met January 4 for the annual election of officers and nominated Green and Agee subject to approval of the county commission.
Bazel Dick Knowles, Fifth district member of the county beer board has resigned his position. County Mayor Stribling announced the vacancy Monday night and added that the position could be filled by the commission at the February meeting
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