Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The Jackson County Board of Commissioners had a meeting on Tuesday, July 22, during which a public hearing took place on the topic of the County applying to receive $472,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The funds would go toward a homeowner rehab / improvement program for Jackson County residents.

The distribution of those funds would be handled by Accelerate Jackson in collaboration with Sam Ramsey, the Founder of Profitable Affordable Housing Development, LLC. Debbie Kelly with Accelerate Jackson would serve as a CDBG liaison on behalf of Jackson County.

The issue was first presented to the General Government Committee on July 14, where it was said that applicants would be considered on a first come, first serve basis. That received criticism from multiple commissioners, and Debbie Kelly said that they have since changed their plan to accept applicants on a qualifications based process.

County Administrator Mike Overton expressed his belief that the project would not come with a financial cost to the county.

Tony Bair and Corey Kennedy were the most outspoken commissioners on their concerns related to potential costs and transparency. Commissioner Philip Duckham said he was a “hard no” before the meeting but is now “up in the air on it.”

The Board is expected to take a final vote on the matter in August.