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Athens EDC approves four business assistance grants, one by split vote
Summary
The Athens Economic Development Corporation approved four business assistance grants May 19, including $20,000 grants for Life & Legacy Tribute Services and 1850 Icehouse; the 1850 Icehouse award passed 3–2 with one board member recused due to a declared conflict.
The Athens Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors approved four business assistance grants during its May 19 regular meeting, authorizing up to 75% of qualified project costs for each award.
City Manager Elizabeth Borstad introduced the committee-recommended applications. DeDe Willis, representing Life & Legacy Tribute Services, described a plan to install two parking lots at 607 N. Prairieville under a lease-to-purchase arrangement; the Board approved $20,000 or up to 75% of qualified expenditures for that project. Against the Grain Custom Homes & Cabinetry received approval for $15,000 for interior improvements, and Bob White’s LLC was approved for up to $8,200 for façade and signage work. Those three motions carried unanimously.
The Board approved a $20,000 grant for 1850 Icehouse, LLC for multiple remodel projects (including bar installation and kitchen remodeling) by a 3–2 vote. The recorded Ayes were Elvis Allen, Bryan Clemmons and Traci Wilkes; Nays were Robert Hoover and Beverly Peek. Board member Jeff Whitnah had earlier declared a conflict of interest for item 14 and did not participate in that vote. During discussion members noted the potential sensitivity of sitting board members receiving grants and asked staff to return with a future agenda item to clarify the grant process.
The approvals were made by motion and second (motions recorded in the official minutes) and reflect committee recommendations as presented by staff. The grants are structured as reimbursement awards: the AEDC will pay up to 75% of qualified expenditures, with final awards subject to verification of eligible costs and compliance with any program conditions.
Board President Brady Autry had earlier declared a conflict connected to the Life & Legacy application; that conflict was disclosed before consideration of the item. The board asked for a future discussion of grant procedures and potential policy updates addressing applications from sitting members.
Next steps: grant recipients will proceed with permitting and procurement; AEDC staff will return with any required documentation or follow-up reports when projects request reimbursement.
