Franklin County commissioners accept $33,500 CDBG award and direct staff to bring resolution

At a public hearing July 22, the Franklin County Commissioners unanimously directed staff to prepare a resolution accepting a $33,500 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund rental and utility assistance for rural county residents.

Human Services Director Vega told the board, “Franklin County has been awarded, $33,500, for, community development block grant,” and said Community Action Connections (CAC) will be the subrecipient to administer rental and rehabilitation assistance. Director Vega said the county has already applied for the award and is awaiting the state contract before bringing a formal accepting resolution to the commissioners.

Commissioner Bauman moved that staff be authorized “to bring back a resolution accepting this grant” and carry out associated tasks; Commissioner Didier seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the direction.

Vega and representatives from CAC — including acting Executive Director Jessica Sagedahl and Housing Director Sarah Benson — answered commissioners’ questions about intended uses. Sagedahl described plans to rebrand and reopen a day center focused on families and single fathers and asked the board to consider support to furnish donated housing units that CAC will manage.

The next procedural step is for county staff to return with the formal resolution after the state releases the contract; the board provided consensus to accept the award and proceed with contract execution and subrecipient arrangements once the paperwork is available.