The Barton County Commission wants downtown property owners countywide to be able to put their best face forward, spark economic prosperity and to revitalize business districts. To this end, commissioners Monday morning will consider a proposed Barton County Facade Improvement Grant Program.
“The goal is to provide financial assistance to businesses and property owners for downtown building front improvements to increase economic prosperity, accessibility, and quality of life in Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend and Hoisington,” County Administrator Phil Hathcock said. The county has determined communities’ retail centers are areas of “priority funding,” and maps of these defined districts will be available this week, should the plan be approved.
Here’s how it would work
According to Hathcock, as it is proposed, through Dec. 31, grants would cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, grants would cover up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $15,000.
In both cases, funding amounts would be determined based on project size, match and community impact, Hathcock said.
Under the recommended plan, the program would provide up to $250,000.00 from the county’s Capital Improvement Fund. Grants would be available until funds are exhausted.
“The 75% match is intended to promote an immediate action from local business owners and also simulate the economy by working with local contractors,” he said. Property owners are expected to pony up the remaining 25%.
Hathcock said the commission would review all applications. The applicant may be either the building owner, or the business tenant.
Other details
The goals of the program are several:
• Demonstrate the power of coordinated, small-scale facade improvements on local economies.
• Increase sales tax revenue by attracting more customers to shop locally.
• Support the attraction of private investment in designated downtown areas by reinvigorating its image as the central location for business.
• Increase property tax base by reinvesting commercial property.
• Help communities retain local talent and recruit external talent through sustainable economic development.
• Spur economic growth in the greater community.
• Generate examples of successful facade improvement projects to serve as a resource library for local communities.
To be eligible:
• Applicants must be the property owner or business tenant and in good standing with the government and local authorities.
• The building must be located in a defined downtown district, as determined by Barton County.
• Governmental entities, public, quasi-public authorities, nonprofits, utility providers, home-based businesses and storage buildings are ineligible for funding.
• Funds are for existing street-facing commercial properties in the defined community downtown areas.
• This program gives priority to retailers and restaurants.
• Funds may not be used for work begun before receiving a grant.
• No more than one property per application.
• No more than three properties, per year, per owner(s) and shareholders.
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