Dublin Economic Development Corporation discussed a slew of agenda items including its annual budget and the approval of several home improvement grants.
At the Tuesday, Aug. 23 meeting, the EDC approved the budget for fiscal year 2022-23 after holding a public hearing in which no one spoke.
Highlights of the budget include $122,000 in business incentives, $133,000 in tourism, $59,000 in affordable housing and $100,000 in administration. Revenues are projected as $492,738 and expenditures are $415,454. Projected sales tax, which is what funds the EDC, is $188,000 for the year. The EDC has included room in its budget for the continuation of the home improvement, commercial and historical grants. The board approved several grants for home improvements. A grant for $3,000 for 604 N. Grafton Street owned by Darren and Sara Keith was discussed with labor taking place to improve the exterior including an expansion and new siding. The motion to approve the grant was passed 4-1, with board member Tom Gordon voting in opposition. A home at 307 N. Grafton Street owned by William Lambright was approved for a $3,000 home improvement grant. The work included some of the rock work at the base of the home, painting and work to the exterior.
There was some discussion on the board about approving the grant since the home is for sale; however, they felt that since it could add to the value of Dublin, they unanimously approved it.
The board also approved a $3,000 home improvement grant owned by Mark Ellis at 240 N. Patrick Street including clearing off of land, tearing down exterior buildings and landscaping. Ellis’ second grant application for a home on 102 W. Comanche Street was denied since the work done did not conform to criteria for EDC grants.
Newly appointed EDC member Sammy Moore was welcomed to the board for his first meeting after being appointed by the Dublin City Council.
An update for a sidewalk replacement project was provided by EDC Executive Director Amy Wright (no relation to former EDC director Karen Wright).
Ben Pate, active city volunteer and Dublin Historical Society president, had approached the board last month about the possibility of the sidewalk in front of Blackjack’s being replaced. The board agreed to move forward with research to get a price estimate on the project for potential funding.
The water line and gas line locations have to be determined first and the gas company marked the wrong section of sidewalk, Amy said.
They will be getting several bids for the project and will potentially install a wheelchair ramp on the other end of the sidewalk to make it easier for those needing a ramp to utilize the area.
Several community events were discussed including the Rylan Strong Network Car Show, the Dublin Rodeo and the Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
The board tabled the car show until they could find out how much money the network was requesting and gave approval for a $1,000 sponsorship for the rodeo.
The chamber also gave the EDC an update about the Hispanic Heritage Festival set for Sept. 30-Oct. 1.