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Lewis & Clark Development Group outlines lending programs, offers grants support; Mercer County dues cut by about $1,100
Summary
Brent Texstrom, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Development Group, briefed Mercer County commissioners on low‑rate lending for meat/poultry processors, housing assistance for essential workers and a new state‑funded grant support position the regional council plans to hire.
Brent Texstrom, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Development Group, told Mercer County commissioners the regional organization has several funding programs and technical‑assistance services available to county residents and businesses.
Texstrom highlighted a USDA‑funded meat and poultry intermediary lending program the council is administering for processors and food‑chain businesses. He described example interest rates tied to loan term: about 1.25–1.5 percent for loans up to 10 years, 2.5 percent for terms up to 20 years and roughly 4 percent for 30‑year terms. Texstrom said more than $1 million has revolved back into the program and the council has financed recent projects including a new butcher shop in Steele and loans to Cloverdale.
On housing, Texstrom described an essential public personnel down‑payment assistance product that provides $10,000 in down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance on a 10‑year, 4 percent note for eligible essential workers (county/city employees, teachers, volunteer firefighters). He said the assistance is not limited to first‑time buyers and is not income‑restricted; the loan requires the property be a primary residence.
Texstrom said the council's board voted to reduce its mill rate for county dues to 0.125 (down from 0.15) in recognition of county budgetary pressures. He said Mercer County's dues were $8,152 last year and the council is requesting $7,009 this year (a reduction of roughly $1,100 for Mercer County). Texstrom said the board also will use new state funding to hire a regional resource development director who will help cities and counties identify and prepare grant applications.
Commissioners praised the reduced dues and asked follow‑up questions about whether the new resource director could help with road and equipment grants. Texstrom said the director would research and help prepare applications but said he could not promise grant wins; loans remain the council's most commonly used tool. Commissioners asked for outreach to county staff when the resource position is posted.
