Board approves $25,000 for Grow Cedar Valley after debate over reserves and transparency

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 10 to provide Grow Cedar Valley with a one‑time $25,000 payment for FY2026 after extended discussion about budget timing, use of reserves and accountability measures.

Katie (Grow Cedar Valley) presented the organization’s recent work and metrics, saying the organization has supported projects that “resulted in direct capital investment of $516,000,000” over the last decade and described programs for talent attraction, business retention and a digital resource hub. “We are a group that's about results,” Katie said, listing outreach events, a job board and new digital initiatives.

Several supervisors supported the funding as a way to signal county support for economic development and to maintain continuity with local business partnerships. Others urged more time, questioning whether a reserve draw was appropriate mid‑budget and asking for clearer performance metrics and contract terms. One supervisor summarized the reserve concern: “I don't like the idea of pulling out a reserve. I don't think it's an emergency,” and asked that staff and the board craft a written agreement with deliverables if the board commits funds going forward.

After motions and discussion, the board approved the $25,000 allocation by roll‑call. Several supervisors said they were willing to fund the amount now with the understanding that staff would develop a contract and include any FY2027 funding in the board’s upcoming budget deliberations.

The board asked staff to prepare a contract outlining deliverables, performance metrics and reporting expectations for future payments and to return with options as part of the FY2027 budget process.