editorial@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG The deadline to apply for assistance from Parkersburg’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund program has been extended to March 31.
Parkersburg’s administration and City Council established the program using $300,000 in funding provided by the C.A.R.E.S. Act through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
After the initial deadline in October, a total of 16 small businesses have been or are in the process of being awarded $111,188 in short-term working capital, according to a release from the city. That leaves a program fund balance of $188,444.
The program provides money to help businesses retain and create jobs for low- to moderate-income workers adversely impacted by the pandemic, including payment of rent, loans, wages, taxes and normal benefits for employees and normal operating costs and expenses.
Refinancing sewer bonds will save city thousands of dollars
Suzette Lowe
Reporter
Many agenda items at the Dec. 1 Ripley City Council meeting required the input and expertise of city treasurer, Tom Armstead.
Council members Carolyn Waybright, Rick Buckley, Danny Martin, and Recorder David Casto, with John McGinley unable to attend, approved Armstead’s proposal to refinance the sewer bonds through the United States Department of Agriculture. The option will allow the 18 years left on the loan to be lowered to 13 years, with an interest rate decrease of one percent. Armstead estimates that the city will save $136,000 throughout the loan’s term.
ebevins@newsandsentinel.com
PARKERSBURG Some federal funds allocated by the cities of Parkersburg and Vienna to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have been awarded, but balances remain for each program.
Parkersburg Development Director Rickie Yeager told members of Parkersburg City Council this week that the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, which is administering the city’s Small Business Relief Fund, has processed 20 applications and funds are being awarded to 13 applicants, with another pending.
That amounts to $82,688.60 in financial assistance from additional Community Development Block Grant funds provided through the C.A.R.E.S. Act passed earlier this year by Congress.