County staff, contractor ask commissioners to approve six‑month extension for expiring home‑repair grant

Contractors administering the countywide home repair program told the Portage County Board of Commissioners that the grant’s originally targeted neighborhood no longer largely qualifies after household incomes changed between the initial survey and project rollout.

A presenter said the target area out on Milford Road had several homeowners who are now over the income threshold and that the county has shifted to reviewing applications on a countywide basis so funds can still be spent. Staff reported approximately "$147 to 148" (as stated in the meeting record) set aside for this activity, and contractors said once specifications are written one house could require about $80,000–$90,000 in work.

Because the grant’s current expenditure deadline falls on Aug. 31, contractors asked the board to authorize staff to request a six‑month extension from the state. "We believe that these funds will absolutely be spent in that time," the presenter said, and staff agreed to prepare a resolution for next week’s agenda so the county can formally request the extension.

Commissioners supported seeking an extension but asked staff to confirm the state’s view on whether adding a position or shifting match mid‑year could adversely affect future awards. Staff said they would ask grant administrators for guidance before committing additional local match. The board asked that the extension request be brought back as a formal resolution on a future agenda.

What's next: Staff will prepare a resolution for board consideration and formally request a six‑month extension from the state; they will also provide final numbers on funds available and the timing for bids and construction.