Greene County Housing Initiative Benefits from Equitable Funding
The Greene County Board of Supervisors engaged in a detailed discussion about a grant application from the Highway 25 Corridor Housing Initiative (25CHI Corp.). This initiative, which focuses on the renovation of houses and building exteriors, had previously inquired about receiving a grant from the Louis Dreyfus funding.
The board’s conversation centered on maintaining fairness in the distribution of funds to various communities within Greene County. Supervisor Dawn Rudolph highlighted that grants typically awarded to each community for housing projects have been around $10,000. She cited an example where Scranton received $10,000 through funding allocated to the Greene County Development Corporation (GCDC) for new housing construction. However, the rising cost of materials has rendered the construction of new housing in Scranton economically unfeasible, leading to the conclusion by Supervisor Pete Bardole that “Building in Scranton is not worth the cost.”
In light of these developments, the board contemplated redirecting the $10,000 initially given to GCDC to the 25CHI for renovation purposes instead of new construction. They also considered not approving the 25CHI’s application for Dreyfus funds. A final decision on this matter was deferred, pending a discussion with GCDC about the procedure for reclaiming the funds.
Supervisor Rudolph emphasized the importance of equal investment in all communities, noting that investment decisions are partly based on population. For instance, Jefferson has received $30,000, while Rippey, Grand Junction, and Paton have each received $5,000 from county funds.
In other business, environmental health coordinator Chuck Wenthold presented a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board to reclassify a property in Highland Township from agricultural to commercial. This reclassification would enable NEW Cooperative to construct and operate new grain storage facilities near Churdan. Frank Huseman, operations manager for NEW Coop, explained their plan to build two fabric storage units capable of holding significant quantities of corn and soybeans. He noted the cost-effectiveness of fabric units compared to steel and concrete structures. The board unanimously approved this reclassification.
Pam Olerich, the real estate coordinator, presented approximately 50 homestead and military exemption disallowances for board approval. These disallowances occur when properties under the exemption are sold, requiring new owners to reapply if eligible.
County engineer Wade Weiss updated the board on various projects, including delayed work on P-46 north of Dawson and a bid-letting for the bridge over Snake Creek. He also mentioned the department’s assistance to other counties with equipment needs, emphasizing the importance of mutual support.
County attorney Thomas Laehn reported a high number of pending cases, exceeding the usual caseload. He discussed the allocation of trial dates and the upcoming trial requiring expert witness testimony. Laehn also stressed the need for a 28E agreement with the Greene County Development Corporation and the potential future need for ordinances regarding solar farms.
Lastly, Wenthold reported progress on the courthouse attic and basement cleaning project and mentioned working with attorney Laehn on an ordinance for the sale or auction of excess furniture. The board also touched upon the need for new representatives on the Compensation Board and considerations regarding the cost of living index.
