Winona County approves CETA contract for economic‑development services amid debate over cost per loan

Winona County commissioners approved a contract with CETA to provide economic‑development professional services tied to the county’s revolving loan fund (RLF), despite questions about administration costs and declining municipal partners.

Ross and other staff explained that the county’s RLF—initially capitalized after the 2007 floods—has about $900,000 outstanding in active loans. Commissioners calculated rough administrative costs per loan (estimates during debate ranged near $10,000 per closed loan when all overhead is considered). Commissioner Vaguely and others asked whether municipalities pulling back their participation reduces program value and whether the county should consider bringing the function in‑house or changing the contract scope.

Staff noted that CETA’s role includes both loan processing and active promotion so that banks and borrowers know the RLF is available; they also said DEED rules limit fund flexibility and that any repurposing would require approval. The board approved the CETA professional‑services contract and asked staff to return with options on cost‑reduction, use of the RLF and whether the program should be brought in‑house if municipalities continue to withdraw.