Commissioners approve county match, back $500,000 owner-occupied rehabilitation grant application

Blackford County commissioners voted to authorize county staff to execute application materials and commit a minimum $50,000 local match to pursue an owner-occupied rehabilitation grant of $500,000. The program would provide up to $25,000 per house with no resident match required, county staff told the board.

"We'll be applying for $500,000. There'll be a maximum of $25,000 per house," the presenter said, describing program rules and the required local match. The presenter said cities (Hartford City and Montpelier) and the county were being asked to contribute matching funds to improve competitiveness. Committee member (speaker 2) moved to approve execution of the documents and the minimum $50,000 county match; the motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote recorded as "3 0."

The presenter also described program administration details: the county's attorney must sign documents, a five-year maintenance commitment must be executed by participating jurisdictions, and the application includes a four-factor analysis for limited-English-proficiency residents. Staff said local banks will assist in receiving applications to help applicants navigate federal terms and reporting requirements.

Commissioners said the program could be applied for annually to support additional homes, and discussed the potential for other municipalities to contribute larger matches to increase award capacity. The board directed staff to finalize signatures and submit the application.