Athens council advances several grants and programs: AEDC guideline readings, TxDOT RAMP grant, tourism and public funding allocations

At its Sept. 8 session the Athens City Council considered multiple resolutions related to economic development and grants. Several AEDC programs were presented on first reading while other grant allocations and a TxDOT RAMP grant were approved by unanimous vote.

Donna Meredith, Community Development Manager, presented the AEDC Business Assistance Grant Guidelines (first reading), which staff described as a program to provide physical improvements to new or existing businesses within the Athens city limits with a maximum grant amount of $20,000 per applicant; the AEDC resolution would authorize an expenditure of $100,000 for FY2026 if adopted on subsequent reading. Meredith also outlined the Community Development Grant Guidelines (authorizing $175,000 for FY2026) and a new AEDC Workforce Development Grant Program proposed with a $30,000 authorization for FY2026. Those AEDC items were presented as first readings and require further Council action to finalize funding.

Assistant City Manager Mandie Quigg presented and the Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) grant with the Texas Department of Transportation. Quigg said the grant funds 90% of eligible costs up to $100,000, with a 10% city match; FY2026 projects budgeted to use the grant include windsock replacement, fencing, parking-lot repairs, hangar approach repairs and additional airport maintenance.

Finance Director Sarah Smith presented Tourism Development Grant funding allocations. Staff received 10 applications totaling nearly $191,000 and recommended funding seven applications for a combined $97,000 from HOT funds, including recommended awards to the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion ($10,000 recommended of $15,000 requested; a separate $20,000 recommendation for a related Old Fiddlers request was also noted), Henderson County Fair Park ($35,000 recommended of $75,000 requested), and others. Council approved the tourism allocations unanimously and authorized the City Manager to execute funding agreements.

Smith also presented Public Funding grant recommendations: 14 applications requested approximately $202,313; staff recommended funding eleven applications for a total of $80,000 from the General Fund, including Athens Cemetery Association ($10,000), Henderson County Memorial Library ($12,500), and Keep Athens Beautiful ($12,500). Council approved those allocations unanimously.

An agenda item to authorize the Athens Municipal Court to dismiss eligible aged warrants under Administrative Order MC-24-001 was listed but had no discussion and no action taken during the meeting.

Next steps: AEDC first-reading items will return for subsequent readings; the City Manager and Finance staff will execute and monitor RAMP and grant agreements and report per contract terms.