Commissioners clash over consumer protections in housing program

In a recent Hillsborough County government meeting, discussions centered around the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which has faced scrutiny due to concerns over consumer protections and the financial implications for homeowners. A key testimony highlighted the struggles of a homeowner who, after enrolling in the PACE program, experienced significant increases in property taxes that burdened her monthly payments. The speaker criticized the lack of financial assessments conducted by lenders, emphasizing that potential borrowers were not adequately informed about their repayment abilities.

Commissioner Kemp proposed a motion to suspend the PACE program until federal regulations could be established to enhance consumer protections. However, this motion failed to receive a second, indicating a lack of support among the commissioners. Kemp then suggested requiring public hearings for any PACE approvals, which also did not gain traction.

In a subsequent motion, Kemp advocated for robust consumer protections based on recommendations from the National Consumer Law Center, mirroring measures adopted in neighboring counties. This motion was seconded and sparked a debate about the adequacy of existing protections and the need for thorough review before proceeding.

Commissioner Myers expressed the necessity for an educational component to assist homeowners, particularly seniors, in understanding the implications of the PACE program. This sentiment was echoed by other commissioners who recognized the importance of ensuring that residents are well-informed before committing to such financial agreements.

Ultimately, a resolution was passed to move forward with the PACE program, incorporating enhanced protections and an educational initiative for seniors. The motion carried with a vote of six to one, with Commissioner Kemp dissenting. The resolution allows for further negotiations on interlocal agreements, which will return to the board for final approval, ensuring that consumer protections remain a priority in the implementation of the PACE program.