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Ironton council debates economic development fund, Christmas decorations; approves water loan application and accepts January finances
Summary
Councilors debated converting a forgivable $50,000 economic development fund into repayable loans and whether to fund $61,000 in municipal Christmas decorations. The council approved a resolution to apply for a State Revolving Loan for a water meter project, accepted the January financials and scheduled an executive session on pending litigation.
The Ironton City Council debated the structure of a municipal economic development fund and a proposal to budget $61,000 for new Christmas decorations during its Feb. 27 meeting.
Councilmember Chris questioned whether a $50,000 forgivable-loan authority should remain under the mayor’s office and argued for a repayable revolving loan model that would replenish the fund. Other council members and staff said the fund has been managed by the mayor’s office with an application process and that it was intended to be flexible to both retain existing businesses and attract new businesses to the city. Speakers said the fund had recently been used to award roughly 10 grants averaging about $4,000 each for business expansion and new starts; one recipient used the award for purchase of equipment to start a catering business.
Council members also discussed a $61,000 line for new or replacement municipal Christmas decorations. Supporters said a longer-term investment in durable decorations (for downtown tree and route lighting) could draw visitors in the off-season; opponents questioned the timing amid fiscal constraints. Council members noted the hotel/motel excise tax provides the revenue source for both community development and economic development accounts and that state rules limit how that revenue may be spent.
On formal business, the council passed Resolution 25-14 authorizing the city to apply for and enter into a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (SRLA) agreement on behalf of the city for a water meter project and designating a dedicated repayment source. The council also approved acceptance of the city’s January 2025 financial statements as submitted by the finance director. Both measures passed by roll-call/voice votes recorded at the meeting.
Before adjourning, the council voted to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation with the solicitor and selected staff; no action was taken following the session.
Council members and staff said the annual budget remains a work in progress and that further amendments and a follow-up presentation would be required before final adoption.
