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Council names Forward New Richmond as local review committee for small business loan programs
Summary
Council designated Forward New Richmond as the local decision committee to review Regional Business Fund micro‑loan and façade loan applications and emphasized strict conflict‑of‑interest recusals for committee members.
The City Council voted to designate Forward New Richmond as the local review committee for micro‑loan and façade‑loan applications administered through the Regional Business Fund.
Staff explained the Regional Business Fund, a nonprofit that supports businesses in western Wisconsin, operates micro‑loan and façade‑loan programs with eligibility and application criteria. Applications are first evaluated by the West Central Planning Commission and then sent to a local decision committee for final review and recommendation; councilors approved Forward New Richmond to serve in that role.
Councilors discussed the need to enforce strong conflict‑of‑interest rules for committee members and suggested staff provide reminders before meetings. One councilor asked staff to read recusal guidance at the beginning of committee meetings to ensure consistent practice.
The council approved the resolution on a roll call vote; staff will notify Forward New Richmond and coordinate committee procedures and conflict‑of‑interest reminders prior to hearings on loan applications.
