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Council members back exploring grant-writer hire to pursue downtown revitalization funds
Summary
Councilmembers discussed hiring a grant writer to pursue downtown revitalization grants, citing a recent $1 million Mount Vernon award as a model; the idea drew support and direction to HR to begin a search or identify options.
Councilmember Jim Blair and others urged the Washington Court House City Council Feb. 12 to prioritize hiring or contracting a grant writer to pursue downtown-revitalization funding and similar opportunities.
Blair referenced a recent example in Mount Vernon that secured a $1,000,000 grant to fund a food hall and office suites, saying the project is expected to create 25 jobs and an annual payroll of $1,250,000. "I would encourage council to prioritize the hiring of a grant writer who could focus all of their energies into finding grants like the Mount Vernon grant," Blair said during the meeting packet discussion.
Blair and other councilmembers said a dedicated grant writer — whether paid on commission or employed full time — could more than pay for itself by securing grants for downtown projects including a proposed developmentally challenged playground and other capital efforts. Councilmember Caleb Johnson echoed the recommendation, calling a grant-writer search "a worthwhile thing to look at" and saying the position could be fiscally smart if it yields awards that offset hiring costs.
Council members discussed next steps: directing Human Resources Director Terry Wilson to begin a search or exploring existing firms already identified in Columbus and with Community Action. No formal hiring motion or ordinance was recorded at the Feb. 12 meeting; council members asked staff to pursue options and return with recommendations.
