Council approves $2,000 pilot for 'Paint Perry' exterior-paint reimbursement program

The Perry City Council voted to fund a pilot Paint Perry program that will reimburse eligible property owners up to $500 for exterior-paint materials and minor preparation (primer, caulk, equipment rental), with the code department implementing the program and verifying completion through before-and-after photos and inspections.

City Manager Nate explained the program is designed to improve curb appeal on arterial streets and prioritized corridors and to be implemented through the code department with staff outreach to eligible residents. "We would do up to $500 per property for eligible exterior paint project. It would only be issued after the project's complete, so there'd be before and after photographs, receipts for the materials, and then we would also have our code enforcement go out and take a look at it," Nate said.

Council clarified that labor would not be reimbursed: homeowners may hire contractors, but the $500 cap applies only to materials. Staff said the $2,000 allocation is a pilot-size pool that can be reevaluated after one year; council asked staff to return with usage reports and suggested outreach through volunteer groups, scouts, and the Perry study club to leverage volunteers for low-cost labor.

Why it matters: The pilot is a small, targeted investment to improve neighborhood appearance and support downtown and corridor beautification efforts while minimizing direct city labor costs. The program prioritizes materials and verification, with code enforcement ensuring compliance and documenting work before issuing reimbursements.

Next steps: Code staff will publish application materials, accept submissions, perform inspections within 30 days of completion, and report back to council on uptake and outcomes for program evaluation.