Council adopts supplemental budget to accept $80,000 EDA feasibility grant for BIPOC farmers market, 4-1

Monmouth City Council on Monday adopted Resolution 2005, a supplemental budget authorizing expenditure authority tied to an $80,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for a feasibility study on a year-round indoor BIPOC farmers market. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote, 4-1.

Finance staff told the council the supplemental budget was needed because the EDA award was not known when the FY 2024-25 budget was adopted and that the adjustment affects the economic development fund by more than 10%, which required public notice. The staff report said the grant will fund a feasibility study "to identify how to better provide access to locally grown food in economically distressed communities, and provide capacity building resources to BIPOC farmers and producers, businesses in Polk County, Oregon." The council previously authorized submitting the grant application in December.

Councilor Bridal asked whether accepting or administering such targeted funding raised constitutional concerns under Oregon law, citing Article I, Section 20 of the Oregon Constitution on equal privileges. City attorney Lane Sheverly responded: "Receipt of grant funds for a feasibility study doesn't implicate article 1 section 20." The city manager and attorney said the action before the council was a financial housekeeping measure to permit expenditure if the revenue is received; staff will not spend the funds unless the city receives the grant.

The motion to adopt Resolution 2005 was made by Councilor Oberst and seconded by Councilor Lopez. Roll call: Oberst — yes; Kerrey — aye; McKeel — yes; Lopez — aye; Ridgeway — nay. The resolution passed 4-1.

Ending: Staff said they will only expand expenditure authority if the revenue is received and will report back to council on the study's recommendations and any required next steps.