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SBA briefed board on disaster-loan deadline; Dukem Center client raises counselor complaint
Summary
An SBA disaster-recovery representative told commissioners of available low‑interest loans tied to March tornado damage and noted a June 29 application deadline; a Dukem Center client later complained about counseling decisions and asked for county help.
During public comment at the June 16 meeting, Joyce Elele of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery told the board that St. Joseph County businesses are eligible for SBA long‑term disaster loans related to the March 6 tornadoes and that the current application deadline is June 29 (an extension is possible but not yet formal). She said eligible businesses could apply for economic injury or physical disaster loans, potentially up to $2 million depending on assessed damage, and that there is no application fee.
Commissioner follow‑up focused on whether the county emergency management team had been contacted; Elele said the SBA had emailed the county and she would follow up to confirm emergency management had the information. She also noted different interest rates for organizations and indicated the program covers homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits depending on designation.
Later in public comment Jerome Jenkins, a client at the Dukem Center, asked the commissioners for assistance after alleging his counselor imposed a GPS-monitor requirement and otherwise treated him unfairly. Jenkins described efforts to resolve the matter with Dukem staff without response; commissioners and staff invited him to speak with county staff after the meeting to pursue further assistance.
The board adjourned after public comment.
