Fayette County board tables two Related Affordable pilot agreements amid budget uncertainties

The Fayette County Board of Education on May 27 voted to table two pilot (payment-in-lieu) agreements for Related Affordable projects — Midland Station and Rose Tower — after trustees raised concerns about approving tax-abatements while the district negotiates a short-term borrowing plan and reconciles prior-year financials.

Board members asked developers to clarify how teacher set-asides would be administered and how the discount was calculated. Project representative Mr. Shapiro said the developer matched a typical rent-to-income assessment using 30% of a first-year teacher''s salary and proposed a $300 monthly discount for up to five teachers in the first year. "We took a look at first-year salaries of teachers and our rents ... and decided to offer a $300 discount," Mr. Shapiro said.

Several trustees said approving pilot agreements now would reduce near-term tax revenue while the district is arranging a tax revenue anticipation note and completing restatements. "There are too many pending questions with our budget," Board member Monica Mundy said, adding she was open to reconsideration once the board had clearer revenue and equity analysis.

The board asked staff to provide a clearer revenue projection, information about how a teacher set-aside would be administered through human resources, and an equity assessment of who benefits from the pilot payments before returning the items for a vote.