The new proprietors of a grocery store in Humboldt asked Allen County Commissioners Tuesday if they would be willing to help out with its anticipated utility costs.
Scott and Amy Welch, rural Moran, plan to open Our Hometown Market in the next couple of months. The grocery store replaces Moon’s Hometown Market, and includes a butcher shop.
Amy Welch said, “we have our finances all laid out and are ready to go, but we’d just really appreciate some help from you, too. … We want to make sure that we’re able to sustain the grocery store and not get run over by electrical bills.”
Cole Herder, city administrator for Humboldt, laid the ground for the Welches’ request. Herder mentioned how the closing of Moon’s a year ago was a big hit to the community and that their goal ever since has been to replace it with a locally owned business.
Herder and Scott Welch both mentioned how the Moon’s building is too big to house only a grocery store, and so wanted to add a butcher shop in order to make it more sustainable. A larger building, though, comes with larger utility costs, in this case, costs linked to refrigeration, and that’s why they’re approaching the Commission for assistance.
Commissioners voiced support for the couple’s project, but as Bruce Symes explained: “We’re making an investment on behalf of the taxpayers of Allen County.”
In order to bolster the case for assistance, Herder mentioned how food deserts can greatly affect communities, and added that the presence of a store has the power to change citizens’ lifestyles for the better, especially when it comes to eating healthier meals.
Commissioners entered into executive session with Herder, the Welches and County Attorney, in order to discuss financial specifics.
Commissioners did not take action on the Welchs’ request to help them with the store’s anticipated utility costs.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels did, however, suggest a precedent exists for the county providing matching funds after an entity secures a grant, such as through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Shifting attention from the grocery store, Terry Call discussed with the Commission a few items linked to new ambulance stations being constructed in Humboldt and Moran, including lettering on buildings, along with furniture and flagpoles. The Commission voted to enter a contract with Koehn Construction for $2,835.51 to install the flagpoles.
Mitch Garner, Public Works Director, said that the rock crusher purchased by the county is now partially operational, but still requires additional parts. “It’s not quite 100%,” he said, “but getting there.”
The Commission also approved a liquor license for The Humboldt Speedway, which will permit consumption of alcohol on the premises.
At multiple points, commissioners went into executive session in order to continue evaluating county employees. Those employees who were evaluated include: Angie Murphy, 911 Communications Director, Terry Call, EMS Financial Director and Zoning Administrator, and Bob Johnson, County Attorney.
