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Health department grant-writing proposal discussed; commissioners asked for joint site review
Summary
The health department proposed pursuing multiple stacked grants to fund a larger facility; staff identified several available properties and recommended working with grant consultants and local development authorities to seek funding and land options.
The county's health department presented a proposal to pursue grants and possible property options for a new or expanded facility. Staff said the project would likely require multiple grants layered together rather than a single capital grant. The health department included funding for grant-writing services in its proposed budget.
Staff identified local grant-consulting options: professional grant services provided by Shannon Martin and a second consultant, Heather (last name not given), who attended workshops and could assist with grant identification and applications. Staff also noted that the county could use the local economic development grant services (CRDA) and its land-bank resources to locate sites within city limits.
Possible properties noted by staff included a vacant church (listed at $899,000), the former Stuart Furniture building (approx. 16,700 sq. ft.; price discussed at $699,000 for the building and five acres, or $499,000 for two acres and the building), and a Bryant's Furniture site farther from the city center. Staff emphasized site accessibility and staying near the city core so residents can reach services.
Why it matters: a permanent, appropriately sized health department facility would affect service accessibility and long-term maintenance costs. Commissioners and staff agreed the county should continue exploring grant options, site availability and potential matches and asked that future site visits and discussions be held jointly with county staff and development partners.
Next steps: staff offered to arrange a visit and to bring the grant consultants or CRDA representatives to answer commissioners' questions. Commissioners signaled interest in further work and asked to participate in property and grant discussions together with the health department.
