County eyes tax break for fire-damaged apartments

The Washington County Commission will consider adopting an updated hazard mitigation plan and approving a payment in lieu of taxes program for the Johnson City Housing Authority on Monday. JCHA PILOT program The Washington County Commission will consider approving a PILOT program for JCHA to rebuild the Fairview Apartments. This resolution comes as a recommendation from the Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Committee and the Budget Committee for the full commission's consideration. The apartment complex is currently unoccupied due to fire damage. The existing structures need to be torn down to rebuild a new complex. Without a PILOT program, JCHA would not be able to rebuild on the property, and it would remain dormant. The JCHA is authorized by state code to apply for a PILOT program for the purpose of providing affordable housing to low- and moderate-income families within the county. A PILOT program would reduce taxes to no more than 5% for JCHA's Fairview Apartments project for a minimum of 15 years. After 15 years, the program shall continue on a year-to-year basis until termination by either party. Payments made by JCHA through the program would only be received by Johnson City. Washington County would not receive any funds from JCHA if the resolution is approved. Additionally, the approval of the resolution would not grant JCHA to enter a PILOT program until the Johnson City Commission approves the resolution. Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan The commission will consider a resolution updating the Washington County Hazard Mitigation Plan from its previous version which was approved in 2022. To be eligible for hazard mitigation grants, the plan must go through a complete update process every five years. The 193-page document "aims to identify the community's notable risks and specific vulnerabilities and then to create/implement corresponding mitigation projects to address those areas of concern." All jurisdictions within the county participated in the process of updating the plan including Washington County, Johnson City and Jonesborough. The town of Jonesborough did not participate in the 2022 plan. The plan has been prepared in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's requirements and addresses both natural and man-made hazards to mitigate risks for the people and property of Washington County. Jurisdictions who have a hazard mitigation plan are also more likely to receive grants from FEMA and state emergency management agencies in the case of hazard. The updated version of the pan addresses 13 hazards which have an impact on both Washington County and the incorporated jurisdictions. The hazards addressed include but are not limited to drought, earthquake, flooding, wildfire, dam/levee failure, extreme temperature and terrorism. Other agenda items The commission will consider 16 resolutions at its Monday meeting. Resolutions to go in front of the full commission include but are not limited to the authorization for Washington County Schools to spend up to $500,000 for new technology equipment, the appointment of members to the Washington County Board of Equalization and the authorization for the mayor to renew joint cooperation agreement with the Northeast Tennessee/Virgina Home Consortium for an additional three years. To read the full agenda, visit the county's website at washingtoncountytn.org/agendacenter. A special called meeting will occur at 5 p.m. on Monday before the commission's regular meeting to discuss the fiscal year 2027 budget. The April commission meeting will follow at 6 p.m. in the George P. Jaynes Justice Center.