Fairfax administrator outlines CDBG eligibility and possible home‑repair grant using federal relief funds

The Village of Fairfax administrator gave a detailed briefing May 17 on potential grant and federal relief funding the village could pursue and how those funds might be used locally.

The administrator explained that Community Development Block Grant funding administered through Hamilton County covers a three‑year cycle (2021–2023) and may be used for a range of activities the village could consider, including property acquisition, street improvements, parks, ADA improvements, senior centers, demolition, pedestrian walkways and other recreational improvements. She emphasized that eligibility for CDBG is determined by the income characteristics of the census tract for the project area and that a project must meet federal low‑income thresholds for the affected area to qualify.

As an example of a local program, the administrator described a possible community‑wide home‑improvement program that would limit awards per household and prioritize owner‑occupied properties and low‑income residents. She cited previous council discussion of a hypothetical $20,000 annual program with maximum awards of $2,000 per project and noted that other communities (Springdale was cited) have used amounts as small as $1,000 per award. The administrator said staff will return with more details to the next ECC meeting and that applications, income screening and reporting rules would have to be developed.

The administrator also said the village expects to receive funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); the village is waiting for state guidance on the exact allocation and allowable uses. She said these federal relief funds may have a spending window extending through 2024 and, depending on guidance, could possibly be used for community‑wide programs or park investments that are tangentially related to COVID‑19 economic impacts.

Council did not adopt any funding programs at the meeting; the administrator asked council members to consider priorities and to return with more detailed options next month.