Count it.
Allen County’s $2.4 million in federal stimulus money has been completely dispersed.
Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County, presented commissioners with a detailed report on how those SPARK funds were spent and ultimately benefited community members.
The report explained how, in order to strategize spending, multiple task force groups were formed from various key sectors, including education, health, county matters, municipal matters, economic development and social services.
These groups then oversaw more than $1.8 million in direct aid and over $668,000 in reimbursements for expenses incurred due to COVID-19.
Some of the private businesses who provided testimonials as to how they benefited from SPARK included: The Mildred Store, Stacy Cakes, Audacious Boutique, Around the Corner and many more.
A list of specific entities and the funds they received via SPARK is available through Thrive Allen County.
Jonathon Goering, economic development director for Thrive, spoke with commissioners about various housing initiatives that were ramping up, and said that attendance at local events had so far been solid.
One event included an “visioning session” with Atlas Studios on Tuesday afternoon.
Bruce Symes raised the concern that, with regard to housing, it seems there might be a “duplication of efforts” with so many concurrent projects going on. Hence, he encouraged developing communication strategies to prevent unnecessary confusion.
Goering also mentioned that it would be worthwhile for commissioners to develop a model for providing robust incentives to potential businesses.
Carla Nemecek from K-State Southwind Extension presented commissioners with bids to replace the windows at their new building on N. State Street.
Whitworth Construction bid $8,000 and Peerless Products bid slightly more at $8,512, hence commissioners accepted the bid from Whitworth.
Nemecek also mentioned that Southwind had hired a new agronomist, Chad Guthrie, who will focus on farming and agricultural issues.
Public works director Mitch Garner said the county’s rock crusher had been transported to Murphy Tractor in Humboldt where it will undergo repairs.
