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Vernon County economic development committee backs Ho-Chunk funding requests, approves Viroqua grant extension
Summary
The Vernon County Economic Development Committee unanimously supported two Ho-Chunk funding requests totaling $200,000 for contingency and small-business grants and approved a 45-day extension for the City of Viroqua's 2024 Community Development Grant project at its Feb. 5 meeting.
The Vernon County Economic Development Committee met Feb. 5 in Viroqua and unanimously voted to support two Ho-Chunk funding requests and forward both to the Finance Committee for consideration.
Amy Oliver, Community Development Director, presented a $50,000 request for generator project contingency funds intended to cover potential change orders required to comply with updated building codes, and a $150,000 request to fund the Elevate Vernon Grant Program for small businesses after the county did not receive a 2026 Small Business Development Grant. "Request in the amount of $50,000 for designated funds for potential change orders needed to comply with updated building codes," the minutes record for the contingency request; the committee moved both items to Finance.
Patrick Sullivan moved to support the $50,000 generator contingency and to forward it to the Finance Committee; Kevin Larson seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Karen Dahl moved to support the $150,000 Elevate Vernon Grant request and to forward it to Finance; Patrick Sullivan seconded and the motion likewise passed unanimously.
The committee also approved a request from the City of Viroqua to extend its 2024 Community Development Grant project by an additional 45 days. Amy Oliver said the project plans are approved and the contractor is scheduled to complete the work in early October 2026. Bruce Kilmer moved to approve the extension; Kevin Larson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Other committee business included a January payment summary (Amy Oliver reported $51,424.40 in Community Development invoices paid) and an update on the Economic Development Loan Program. Jon Bingol of the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission reported a loan fund balance of $294,781.76 as of Jan. 31, 2026 and noted one applicant expressing interest in a loan for the Beanies Diner property.
The committee recorded no public comment during the meeting and adjourned at 11:00 AM after a motion by David Strudthoff and a second by Patrick Sullivan.
The actions taken at the meeting will be forwarded to the Finance Committee for final consideration.