Spring improvement: Matching funds for facade repairs available

By Kristine Thomas 

Here’s a math problem that may stump teachers but will bring joy to downtown Mount Angel business owners.

The story problem goes like this…

A business owner in downtown Mount Angel wants to paint the outside of her building. She learns the cost of the paint and the supplies is $500.

Question: How much does the owner have to pay to enhance the building’s exterior?

Answer: She will pay $125 if she applies for and recieves a grant from the city of Mount Angel.

Thanks to funding provided by Marion County,  the city of Mount Angel, and the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce, downtown business owners can apply for matching grants to enhance a building’s exterior.

Mount Angel City Administrator Eileen Stein said the grants are on a first-come, first-served basis. The total available from the city and Marion County is $7,500.

The city received a $5,000 economic development grant from Marion County to assist downtown businesses with exterior improvements. The Mount Angel City Council agreed to add $2,500. Then the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce stepped up and offered pay half of the business owner’s match, however, the total funds available are capped at $2,500.

Back to our $500 example.  With an approved grant application, the city would pay $250, and the business owner would be asked to match that. Then the chamber would step in and contribute $125, which means the owner would pay only $125.

Stein said the improvements must be consistent with the Mount Angel Development Code and the city will waive fees where permits are required.

In a letter to business owners, Mount Angel Mayor Andrew Otte said the city will host the Oregon Marathon in conjunction with Oktoberfest in 2014 and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Oktoberfest in 2015. Both events will bring more visitors to Mount Angel than in recent history.

“Your businesses will be on display more than ever,” Otte wrote. “I hope you agree we want to project an image of a vibrant, thriving city to thousands of new visitors rather than one people decide to pass up. This is an excellent financial opportunity for you and a way to contribute to the pride and spirit we have for our city.”

Stein said applications are available at City Hall. The maximum award for a single project is $1,000 and reimbursement will occur only after the construction is complete and a city inspection has been conducted.

“We want to improve the overall business climate in the community,” Mount Angel City Councilor and Chamber of Commerce President Pete Wall said, “and this grant is a good incentive for people to improve their property and a good way to do it.”