The Marshall County Economic Development Corporation is considering applying for OCRA funding for business relief after a conversation with the Marshall County Council this week.
MCEDC President and CEO Jerry Chavez explained that through discussions with the Industry and Growth Committee with the Marshall County Crossroads Stellar Communities Initiative, he would apply for $250,000 in COVID-19 funds through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The money would be used to offer commercial retail businesses some pandemic relief of up to $5,000 on a case-by-case basis.
Chavez asked the council for permission to apply for the funding, but the council members questioned why the private entity was asking the council for approval. Further, Marshall County Commission President Kevin Overmyer asked if that funding would conflict with the county’s CARES Act funding if the county was going to be used as an agency for the grant.
Chavez said he would look closer into the grant application.
The council did approve a motion with a vote of 6 to 1 to approve the application as long as it doesn’t interfere with the county’s CARES Act funding. Chavez noted that the application would be withdrawn if that was the case. Councilman Jon VanVactor was the lone opposing vote on the motion.
