Council advances 'Bailey' historic-rehab tax assessment ordinance, will harmonize rules with Winnsboro

Doctor Roberts read the caption for Ordinance 8-48, described by county staff as a Bailey-style special property tax assessment program designed to encourage rehabilitation of historic properties by allowing qualifying owners to lock in pre-rehabilitation assessed value for a period (up to 20 years in certain cases).

County staff member Mr. Moyer explained that the program will set minimum rehabilitation investment thresholds (noting at least a 20% required investment of initial value to qualify) and that the county plans to work with the Town of Winnsboro and utilize that town's existing board of architectural review to help determine what qualifies as historic or eligible for the program. He said the county and town would likely make additional drafting adjustments between the second and third readings to harmonize both ordinances.

Some public comment questioned whether such a program would attract property investment into Winnsboro and urged prioritizing basic public safety services; Jeff Schaeffer raised concerns about county needs for fire, police and EMS and said tax monies should ensure those services are adequately staffed. County staff and council members acknowledged the public comments and discussed aligning the county program with Winnsboro’s tiered system, which can assign different lengths of tax treatment depending on the percentage of investment.

On second reading the council voted 7-0 to advance Ordinance 8-48; staff said they will continue to coordinate terms with the town's ordinance prior to third reading.