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Board backs $128,142 loan support to convert Lodge Restaurant into Walker daycare
Summary
The Cass County Board unanimously supported an Economic Development Corporation request to back a $128,142 Revolving Loan Fund commitment to redevelop the Lodge Restaurant into a 44‑slot daycare; the EDC reported a 31‑child waiting list and said the RLF account totals $1,044,904.86.
The Cass County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to support a $128,142 Revolving Loan Fund commitment to redevelop the Lodge Restaurant in Walker into a daycare and learning center.
Mike Paulus, executive director of the Cass County Economic Development Corporation, told the Board the proposed center would have capacity for 44 children and that "they currently have 31 on the waiting list." He said the EDC's RLF cash balance is $276,894 and that the total account value is $1,044,904.86, and reported the fund has generated more than $44,000 since inception.
Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk moved to support the RLF portion of the Community Property Development application for Hannah and Doug Putt; Commissioner Rick Haaland seconded the motion and the Board approved it unanimously. Paulus said the EDC underwriting process is underway with other lenders and that, if the County's backing is granted, the project will return to the EDC Board of Directors for final loan approval.
The request is framed as a community economic development and childcare capacity proposal; the transcript notes the use of the existing commercial kitchen in the redeveloped building and the stated need in Walker based on the waiting list. No additional county funding commitment beyond the RLF endorsement was recorded in the minutes, and final loan terms remain subject to the EDC's underwriting and board approval.
