Commissioner presses staff to fix inconsistencies in CDBG reapplication before submission

Staff presented a reapplication for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of roughly $400,000 plus about $87,000 in administrative fees. The committee voted to forward the application, but Commissioner Tony sought clarifications and asked staff to address several inconsistencies before submission to improve the application’s chance of approval.

Tony said the application references an older Region 2 Economic Development District plan (2021–2025) and asked whether a current plan for 2026 should be cited. He also flagged contradictory language about whether the program would provide or improve permanent residential structures (which could imply providing housing) versus the stated intent to assist owner-occupied homes with grants and loans. Tony noted the public-notice language on displacement appeared inconsistent with application text about minimizing displacement and benefits to displaced persons and asked staff to ensure the public hearing notice includes required percentages and loan limits; he cited an internal limit of $10,000 for grants, loans above $10,000 for five years with forgiveness after five years, and an upper loan limit of $40,000 that should be spelled out to remain compliant. Tony asked about procurement/RFP language that repeatedly references an anticipated community-action agency as the implementer, which could dissuade competing respondents, and reminded staff to attach the county procurement policy as required. Staff and commissioners agreed to proceed to forward the application with the expectation that these inconsistencies be reviewed and corrected before final submission.