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EDA hears updates on RLF balance, childcare reimbursement work, data center forum and town mural plans
Summary
CEDA reported a $68,860.21 available balance in the Revolving Loan Fund and ongoing work to pursue a SMIF Promise Act grant and USDA reclassification that could yield about $70,000 a year in reimbursement for the childcare program; the board also reviewed a data center town hall and mural funding options.
Community and Economic Development Specialist Katrina Hurley delivered several operational updates at the Harmony EDA meeting on Nov. 6, 2025, including finance, grants development, business outreach and community projects.
Hurley told the board the EDA’s revolving loan fund accounts are current and there is $68,860.21 available for lending. She said the board is considering changes to RLF interest-rate policy after noting instability from tying rates to the Wall Street Journal prime rate; members discussed a tiered structure and application fees and asked Hurley to research SMIF practices and prepare draft language for a future meeting.
Hurley reported the Harmony Area Historical Society received a $10,000 Small Town Grant and the EDA voted to apply for an MMUA Safety Grant for a generator at the Community Center. She also described ongoing work with Umbellina on a SMIF Promise Act grant and efforts to reclassify the childcare program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to qualify for food program reimbursement, which she estimated could total about $70,000 annually.
On business outreach, Hurley described plans for Lunch and Learn sessions in partnership with the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce and reminded businesses that the Minnesota Paid Leave Act requires them to select private or state coverage by Nov. 10. She said the Small Business Development Center in Rochester will provide future training.
Hurley said the Rolling Hills Transit survey was distributed through utility bills, assisted living facilities and an online form. In the public forum, community members discussed the recent passage of a school referendum as a sign of community support. The board also reviewed feedback from a data center town hall and discussed policy tools — including moratoriums, caps on natural resource use, land-restoration clauses and community benefits — the city could consider adopting proactively; Hurley and City Administrator Alissa Stelpflug are scheduled to attend the SMIF Data Center Forum in North Mankato on Nov. 12.
The board discussed mural funding and management challenges, noting potential grants (SMIF "Paint the Town" and Central Minnesota Arts Board), coordination with MnDOT, and the need for a project manager. Community member Alan Dahl expressed interest in repainting his mural; possible locations discussed included downtown buildings and the Visitor Center walls.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 A.M.; the next regular meeting is Dec. 4, 2025 at 7:30 A.M. at the Community Center.
