Rock County urged to approve $300,000 grant for Edgerton Outreach housing project

During the Rock County Board meeting on August 14, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding a $300,000 grant intended for Edgerton Outreach, a local organization involved in a housing project. The meeting highlighted concerns about delays and miscommunication from Rock County that jeopardized the funding, which is crucial for the project's completion.

Edgerton Outreach had been instructed by a Rock County employee to proceed with construction, expecting to claim the grant upon project completion. However, despite repeated inquiries, a signed contract necessary for the grant was not returned in a timely manner, leading to complications when the project was finished. The fiscal agent for the city of Janesville ultimately rejected the grant claim, citing procedural errors attributed to Rock County's delayed processing.

The situation has raised alarms about the impact of these administrative failures on Edgerton Outreach, which now faces a potential financial crisis. The organization relies on the grant to pay contractors, and without it, they risk going out of business. The board was urged to take responsibility for the oversight and consider using funds from the previous year's sales tax account to cover the shortfall.

While some board members expressed support for the resolution, concerns were raised about the overall financial health of the housing project and the lack of detailed documentation regarding the county's errors. Supervisor Sutterlin pointed out that while the funding request is significant, it may not fully address the project's financial challenges.

The board's decision on this matter is critical, not only for Edgerton Outreach but also for the broader community, as it reflects the county's commitment to supporting housing initiatives and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The outcome of this discussion will determine the next steps in ensuring that the project can move forward and fulfill its mission of providing essential housing services.