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Committee approves loans to purchase Cheese Corner and Westby House
Summary
Vernon County’s Economic Development Committee approved an $80,000 loan plus a $20,000 grant for Campbell Brothers Property, LLC to buy the Cheese Corner and approved a $50,000 loan plus a $10,000 grant for Brianna Miller to purchase the Westby House; both approvals followed closed-session review and carried with one abstention each.
The Vernon County Economic Development Committee approved two financing packages March 5 that together will provide $140,000 in Economic Development Loans and $30,000 in Small Business Development Grants to support local purchases.
In a closed-session review, the committee approved Campbell Brothers Property, LLC for a $100,000 package — $80,000 in an Economic Development Loan and a $20,000 Small Business Development Grant — with conditions. The motion was moved by Nathaniel Slack, seconded by Karen Dahl, and passed with six votes in favor and one abstention (Tom Weston). The committee also approved Brianna Miller for a $60,000 package — $50,000 loan and $10,000 grant — with conditions; that motion was moved by Karen Dahl, seconded by Nathaniel Slack, and passed with six votes in favor and one abstention (Katie Helseth).
Amy Oliver, Vernon County Community Development Director, previously reported the loan fund balance was $307,942.57 as of Feb. 28, 2026. Jon Bingol of the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission told the committee there have been no recent loan payoffs and two parties had expressed interest in applying. Bingol also noted the current Prime rate is 6.75% and the Economic Development Loan rate is set at 4.05% (60% of Prime).
The committee entered closed session at 10:02 a.m. to consider the applications and reconvened at 11:21 a.m. The approvals include conditions discussed in closed session; the committee did not detail those conditions in the open minutes. Both approvals move the candidates to the next administrative steps for loan closing and grant disbursement.
The committee adjourned without further action on these items; staff will report back as loan-closing steps proceed.
