During a recent town board meeting, discussions centered on public record requests and a proposal to support affordable housing for veterans through the Home Again Foundation.

The meeting began with a request for data on public record inquiries made by citizens over the past few years. It was revealed that in 2024, three citizens submitted a total of seven requests, mirroring the previous year's figures. Most requests came from media outlets and businesses, with only five citizens actively seeking public records. This led to a debate on the necessity of a proposed Transparency Task Force, which ultimately failed to pass with a tie vote of three to three.

The conversation then shifted to the Home Again Foundation, which aims to provide affordable housing for veterans. Commissioner Tofano emphasized the importance of the initiative, urging the board to take concrete steps to support veterans in need. He highlighted the quality of homes built by the foundation and called for a serious discussion on how the town could assist, including the potential formation of a housing authority to facilitate land donations.

Town Manager Becky provided an update on ongoing discussions with the foundation's leader, Mr. Gilbert, regarding land acquisition for housing. She noted that while a million-dollar matching grant from the federal government was available, the town was awaiting guidelines to ensure compliance. The board expressed a commitment to explore options for supporting the foundation, including the possibility of utilizing town-owned land.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for affordable housing in Matthews, particularly for veterans, and a commitment from board members to seek solutions. The mayor also acknowledged the passing of a local veteran, Paul Campbell, and proposed a memorial to honor his legacy.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's ongoing efforts to address public transparency and support for veterans, while navigating the complexities of local governance and funding opportunities.