San Patricio County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a motion to apply for the state Amy Young barrier removal program and three countywide HOME-funded programs — tenant-based rental assistance, homeowner reconstruction assistance and tenant-based rental assistance — after county staff warned the court about startup costs and administrative demands.

Melanie Cooper, the county's grant manager, told the court the county had been evaluating these programs since March 2024 and that outside administration and in‑house processing would be required. "This project is going to take some administration from outside services, and it'll also have to be processed through our office," Cooper said. She told the court that while some administration costs are reimbursable, the county would likely need to keep a reserve and could face out‑of‑pocket startup expenses.

Cooper presented the court with a range of estimated local costs and program yields. She said the county should plan to hold roughly $150,000 to $200,000 available to get the program running, with an $80,000 reserve that would be reimbursable through the grant process. Cooper also said the county's portion to get the program started could be "up to $70,000." On expected outputs, she said Impact (the program estimator) projected roughly four households served under the Amy Young barrier removal program, approximately 14 to 23 households for tenant‑based rental assistance depending on rent levels, and about four reconstruction projects under the homeowner assistance line. Cooper cautioned that these are estimates and that funding decisions are made application by application by the state.

Commissioners discussed administration burden and public interest. Commissioner (precinct) asked whether the cost figures included staff time for intake and phone calls; Cooper said they did. After discussion, Commissioner Gillespie made the motion to apply; Commissioner Gonzales seconded. The motion carried with the court voting in favor.

The court also approved bringing back a previously tabled item and changing the language in the program description from "rehabilitation assistance" to "reconstruction assistance" for the homeowner assistance component.

Why it matters: the Amy Young program funds barrier‑removal work (for example, ramps and accessibility modifications) for residents with disabilities, while HOME funds can provide rental assistance and reconstruction of owner‑occupied homes. County officials said public interest has been high and that they plan outreach if the county is accepted for funds. Cooper recommended passing resolutions at a follow‑up meeting to allow formal application and to establish the county cost lines required for program administration.

The court unanimously approved the motions to return the item to the table, adopt the reconstruction wording, and to apply for the programs. Cooper said next steps will include preparing resolutions for the next agenda, submitting applications, and — if funds are awarded — opening public application intake.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to prepare the application materials and related resolutions for the next court meeting; Cooper said staff would also propose public notification steps given strong resident interest.