Manor council extends rental-assistance support to two small businesses, approves $7,498 award for State Farm agent

Manor City Council approved two awards from its rental-assistance program designed to help small businesses with lease costs.

Staff presented an application from a new State Farm agency leasing 1,500 square feet at 310 Murray Street. Staff said the agent, identified in meeting materials as Steven Miller, is paying about $4,500 a month in rent and requested assistance under the city program. The staff recommendation was for a total of $7,498 to be reimbursed monthly upon proof of payment, with a higher reimbursement for the first six months and a declining schedule thereafter.

Council discussed program rules and the local rental market, with one member noting that many local commercial rents are high and that the program’s formula could mean multiple applicants qualify for the maximum. Staff and council also said city-owned incubator spaces could be a longer-term solution to control rents.

A motion to approve a grant to the State Farm agency for up to $7,498 (reimbursed monthly per the schedule in the backup documents) passed on a recorded vote of 5–2.

Separately, the council approved a staff recommendation to extend rental assistance for a second six months to East Stiles (owner identified in the record as Villareal) in the amount of $2,998, reimbursed monthly per the payment schedule. Villareal told council permitting delays had delayed the business opening and said the assistance had been important to getting the business established.

Staff said funds for these awards are budgeted in the city’s economic development budget.

The council’s decisions were framed as short-term support while staff and council continue exploring longer-term incubator or landlord-engagement strategies aimed at making local commercial rents more attainable for small businesses.