Shelby council approves first draw for Hometown Homes, authorizes foundation payments

The Shelby City Council on Jan. 21 unanimously approved the first draw request for two homes under the Hometown Homes program and authorized two foundation payments totaling $150,000.

On a motion by Councilmember Pat Honeywell, seconded by Councilmember Karen Schlueter, the council approved funding of $75,000 for the Daniels House foundation, which the minutes record as completed, and a conditional $75,000 payment for the Willet house once that foundation is completed. The roll call listed Jackie Hursey, Pat Honeywell, Karen Schlueter, Todd Frank and Traci True as voting aye. The motion carried.

The Hometown Homes request was tied to an applicant identified in the minutes as Angela Fritz. Council discussion, as recorded, placed the funding decision within the budget work session rather than as a standalone ordinance or grant award; the payment triggers and conditions (payment for Willet house upon foundation completion) were noted at the time of approval.

Earlier in the meeting Sheriff Neil Gross reported that the county has funds to install security cameras in the City of Shelby and told the council his office is fully staffed, noting a deputy now lives within five miles of Shelby and meets the contract requirement. That report was informational and not part of the council’s funding motion.

No additional budget numbers or a broader funding source for the Hometown Homes disbursement were specified in the meeting record. Councilmembers indicated budget deliberations will continue at the February meeting, and no final budget ordinance was adopted at this session.