Laurie Ferguson of the South Central Economic Development District told the County Board of Commissioners on July 1 that a near-complete application is in hand for state Department of Economic Development (DED) funding to support an expansion by Hornaday. Ferguson said the project would create 51 jobs that “will be held by or made available to individuals who meet the criteria for low moderate income citizens.”

Ferguson said the county is the applicant and the DED funding will flow through the county to Hornaday on a reimbursement basis. "Hornaday has to do a 1 to 1 match…they have to commit to or and expend $2,000,000, and then they will submit all of their eligible invoices," she said. She added that DED provides the HUD-based low- and moderate-income thresholds on a county basis and that applicants will complete self-certification forms when applying for jobs.

Ferguson said $10,000 of a stated $1,010,000 award is earmarked for general administration. She said the funds are not dispersed up front, and that the county will receive documentation and process draw requests after reviewing eligible expenditures. She also said the county is an unusual sponsor for this state program, noting most recipients are cities and villages; she listed Merrick County, Hamilton County and “Al Hall County” as other counties that have used similar funds.

County officials asked procedural and budget questions. Ferguson said the county’s treasurer may need to determine whether a budget amendment is required when funds pass through the county. Ferguson said she would submit a draw request to the county after expenditures were verified and that DED typically reviews disbursement steps.

No vote or formal action on the grant application was recorded at the hearing; the meeting record shows this item was presented as a public hearing and informational discussion. Mary Burley and Tom Stevens were mentioned by Ferguson as participants in the application process; Ferguson identified herself as representing the South Central Economic Development District in Holdridge.

The county took no formal action at the July 1 meeting on this item; staff indicated further administrative steps and draw requests would follow as the application and reimbursement process proceed.