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Council approves $62,981 downtown loan; member discloses family tie to recipients
Summary
Beatrice City Council approved a $62,981.25 CDBG direct loan to Hido Properties LLC for downtown revitalization work at 303 Court Street. A council member disclosed Todd and Sunny Hido are relatives and said attorneys advised it was not a conflict of interest; the motion passed 8-0.
The Beatrice City Council voted unanimously to execute loan documents for a $62,981.25 direct loan from the city's CDBG downtown revitalization grant (23-DTR-002) to Hido Properties LLC for roof and building work at 303 Court Street.
City staff said the loan is structured as a forgivable loan if the property owner maintains improvements for five years, consistent with state program rules. Staff noted state guidance expresses hesitancy about grant dollars to vacant buildings, and Hido Properties provided a letter committing to occupy the building within roughly six months after work is completed; the loan may be repayable to the state if the occupancy commitment is not met.
During public discussion, a council member disclosed a family relationship: “Todd and Sonny are my brother and sister-in-law,” the member said, and added they had sought legal advice and “been told by two attorneys it’s not” a conflict of interest. The council member said they had considered abstaining but chose to vote.
The resolution passed 8-0. City staff said contractors are being sought to start the work; the loan is intended to repair the roof and allow occupancy under the downtown revitalization grant program.
Next steps: staff will finalize loan documents and proceed with contractor procurement and monitoring per CDBG requirements.
