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Weatherford board denies four downtown façade grants, citing depleted façade funds
Summary
The Weatherford Economic Development Board denied four façade‑improvement grant requests for downtown properties after staff reported the façade bucket was effectively depleted for FY25; board members encouraged applicants to reapply if funds become available and asked council to clarify façade policy.
The Weatherford Economic Development Board on Jan. 17 denied four façade‑improvement grant requests after staff said the fund earmarked for façade projects was effectively exhausted for the fiscal year.
Ashley, economic development staff, told the board the program originally earmarked $200,000 for façade grants but, after prior approvals and payouts, only about $719.31 remained available. The denied requests were for 203 North Main (up to $161,000), 208 North Main (up to $68,500), 122 York Avenue (up to $31,525) and 112 Dallas Avenue (up to $40,688.50).
Committee member S2 moved to deny the 203 North Main request on the basis that the taxpayers’ portion was depleted; the board approved the motion. Similar motions to deny the other three façade applications subsequently passed on voice votes. Chair S1 stressed that the denials did not reflect on the merits of the projects, and several board members urged applicants to reapply when funds or budget flexibility allow.
Board members and staff also discussed whether applicants who begin construction before receiving council approval could later be eligible to reapply for funding. Legal and staff guidance, the board concluded, should be sought from city council and counsel; the board asked staff to return the façade policy to council as an agenda item for clearer direction.
The board recorded its decisions as budget‑driven denials and emphasized the downtown revitalization value of façade work while preserving fiscal limits set by council. The board left open the possibility of reconsidering projects later in the fiscal year if other encumbrances do not materialize and funds become available.
