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Learn about the Calumet County CDBG Program, its history, and its transition to the CDBG CLOSE program. Discover the next steps in accessing CDBG CLOSE funds and creating a micro-loan program for small businesses.
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Brief History and Current Status of the County’s CDBG Program Mary Kohrell Community Economic Development Director September 17, 2019
CDBG Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program History • Initiated in 2000 with $850,000 loan to Holsum Dairy • No county general funds have been used for this program • Purpose: to support start-up and existing businesses that would create or retain jobs in the county and provide needed gap financing • Administered by Finance Dept and Planning Dept economic development staff • Loan requests reviewed by the Calumet County RLF Committee • From 2000 to 2015, 32 low-interest loans were administered for $5,667,200; 8 loans were written off and 3 loans being repaid • No new loans were initiated after 2015
Transition to CDBG CLOSE • June 2018 - WI Department of Administration (DOA) notified local RLF programs the WI RLF program would close. • Administrative Rules for CDBG CLOSE effective 2-1-2019; have 2 years to use the funds • County required to return our loan balance ($1.33 million) and apply for it from WI DOA CDBG CLOSE program • Accounts receivables can be utilized locally; are defederalized
Next Steps with CDBG CLOSE • Staff will apply for grants to access CLOSE funds: 1 planning grant and 2 others in the future, up to our maximum amount • County has hired Cedar Corporation to complete our loan application and develop the plan • In 2020, create a micro-loan program to support small businesses