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County weighs help after Blackford County 4‑H building falls $160,000 short
Summary
Purdue Extension and 4‑H representatives told commissioners the county 4‑H building is about $160,000 short after promised donations failed to materialize; commissioners agreed to seek options, consult council and explore grants rather than immediately loaning county funds.
Representatives for the Blackford County 4‑H program told the Board of Commissioners that the project to renovate and bring the 4‑H building up to code is short approximately $160,000 after a committee’s lead donor and promised funds did not materialize.
A presenter said Meyer Building completed much of the work but additional items including flooring, sewage hookups and water work would cost an estimated $40,000–$50,000 more. The presenter described outreach efforts (grant applications and donation solicitations) and said two letters and multiple calls were made after learning of the shortfall roughly 40 days earlier.
Commissioners discussed whether the county could loan money to the 4‑H board but flagged legal uncertainties about direct loans to community organizations. Staff recommended exploring grants and other fundraising approaches and agreed to coordinate with county council before making a funding commitment.
The 4‑H representative emphasized the project’s value to youth programming and the community, asking the county to consider support options short of direct loans. Commissioners said they would take the matter under advisement and attend the county council meeting to discuss financial options.
