Jay County approves $55,000 local match, files grant application for countywide comprehensive plan

The Jay County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2026-10 authorizing submission of an application and a $55,000 local match for a County-Wide Comprehensive Plan grant administered under the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations.

At a July 8 special session, commissioners also approved a five-year maintenance commitment to ensure the county actively uses the comprehensive plan after adoption. Ceann Bales presented an overview of the grant during a public hearing opened at 5:45 p.m.; public commenters recorded at the hearing were all in favor of the project. Commissioners approved a letter of support to accompany the application.

Commissioner Chad Aker moved to approve the five-year commitment; Doug Horn seconded. The board then approved Resolution 2026-10 and the letter of support by unanimous votes. Commissioners set a local-match amount of $55,000 and authorized execution and administration of any ensuing grant contracts and agreements as required by OCRA and HUD rules.

The approvals start the application process; staff will take the next administrative steps to submit materials required by the grant programs.