County will have CDBG to spend

Local government officials in Auglaize County are evaluating opportunities for Community Development Block Grant money after an initial hearing Monday. Auglaize County is expected to be awarded $198,000 from the Ohio Development Services Agency for two-year projects, just as they have in the past, according to Paul Tecpanecatl, principal at Poggemeyer Design Group. He warned county officials the program could sunset in 2023, with money being spent on larger programs like the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant and the Community Housing and Preservation Program as well as the Residential Public Infrastructure Program.

Tecpanecatl said legislators wanted the money to serve areas with greater need and have a greater impact in the future.

Tecpanecatl also said the Target of Opportunity grants aimed at downtown revitalization, would only be available for rehabilitation work this year.

Office Assistant Ester Loeffel said Waynesfield and New Bremen were both exploring grant opportunities for offsite

treatment plants.

Minster Administrator Don Harrod said they were looking to replace a “vintage” water tower from 1949.

“We really need a new water tower,” Harrod said.

The tower has sprung a few leaks and has reached the end of its life expectancy. The cost of a new tower is $2.5 million. Although the CBDG grant is capped at $198,000, RPIG grants for infrastructure are capped at $750,000 but are more competitive.

Auglaize County Crisis Center employee Heidi Koenig said center officials are mulling over a possible addition and wanted to know if they would qualify for grant money with the community they serve. Tecpanecatl confirmed they would qualify. Koenig also said they had interest from anonymous donors in contributing to that addition.

“These are the projects deemed important by you,” Tecpanecatl said, adding the state likes assistance in prioritizing spending and encouraged governments to participate in the program.