Learning Network seeks county support to pursue $750,000 public‑facilities grant for building renovation

Melinda Grismer, a representative of the Learning Network co-located with the county extension office, told commissioners the program has expanded rapidly and the current building needs major renovation.

"We have nine classes of English as a second language," Grismer said, describing additional workforce-development and credentialing programs that have outgrown the facility and the recent discovery of extensive basement damage that has disrupted classrooms.

Grismer said the group intends to apply for a public facilities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) with a stated $750,000 ceiling and that the county’s role would be limited to holding title during the grant process and, if the award is made, allowing a purchase option to transfer the building to the nonprofit. She said the grant allows up to $75,000 in match, which could come from the building’s valuation.

Jordan, who worked through grant logistics with Grismer, told the board the county must remain the property owner during the application phase and that a grant administrator would be hired to run the application — the administrator is paid only if the project is awarded. "The county has to own the facility throughout the process," Jordan said, explaining the mechanics of the purchase‑option approach.

Commissioners and staff discussed a tight timeline for bids and walkthroughs in late August, a preliminary deadline of Oct. 4 and a final submission in mid‑December, with award notifications expected the following February. Grismer also said the CDBG process requires a public hearing and the presenters proposed scheduling that hearing before Oct. 4, with Sept. 15 discussed as a likely date.

After brief questions from the board, a commissioner moved to support pursuing the grant and to permit the administrative steps described; another commissioner seconded the motion and the board voted to approve the request. The motion carried and staff were directed to coordinate required notifications and the forthcoming public hearing.

Next steps: the Learning Network will continue contractor outreach and fundraising while the county will sign necessary paperwork to support the CDBG process if the grant administrator recommends moving forward.