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Lancaster County EDA considers written grant agreements and two-track grant structure
Summary
EDA staff proposed adding signed grant agreements for awards and asked the subcommittee to review sample agreements from nearby localities before the full body takes action at a later meeting.
At an Oct. 15 informational meeting, Lancaster County Economic Development Authority staff proposed requiring written grant agreements for EDA awards and asked a subcommittee to vet examples before the full authority considers formal action.
The staff presenter said the authority is considering a signed grant agreement for awards (including grants up to $10,000) to add clarity and enforceable terms. He noted the application form has been converted to an online Google Form and said the underlying application "hasn't really changed." He said he had collected sample grant agreements from nearby localities, including the city of Portsmouth, which operates two tracks: a business development grant (max $2,500) and an acceleration grant (max $5,000). The presenter said those local examples run three to four pages and that the county attorney, Don Gill, would review a draft before the authority considers action at a future meeting.
Board members supported the idea of a written agreement as a way to add accountability. One board member said a signed agreement would "allow for some accountability" and add "teeth" to the program; another described it as a way to add "skin in the game." The staff presenter said he will compile the example agreements, share them with the subcommittee, and return any recommendation to the full authority at the next meeting.
No formal motion or vote occurred; the item was presented as an informational discussion and the authority did not take formal action because a quorum was not present.
