A brief Whitehall Tax Increment Finance Authority meeting Thursday, March 12, highlighted a larger question facing the city’s downtown: how public funds should support revitalization and where to draw the line.
The board rejected one funding request tied to building improvements, but moved forward with another effort that could bring up to $25,000 in state funding to help renovate a downtown business.
Together, the decisions underscored the TIFA board’s role in balancing downtown beautification goals, taxpayer resources, and the need to support small businesses.
New members sworn in
Before business began, two new members, Tom Ziemer and Scott Brown, were sworn in to the TIFA board, giving the authority a quorum to move forward with its agenda.
The board also amended its meeting agenda to formally add a public comment period.
Façade grant request sparks discussion
The meeting’s first major discussion centered on a $5,000 façade grant request tied to improvements at The Loft on Colby, part of a roughly $39,000 project expected to take place in April.
But the proposal raised a key issue: whether roof work qualifies under the city’s façade grant program.
Several board members said the program was created specifically to encourage visible improvements to downtown buildings, work that enhances the look of the district from the street.
“Façade is a front. It’s facing the public,” one member said during the discussion. “A roof is not visible to the public.”
Members expressed concern that approving the request could set a precedent that stretches the intent of the program.
“If you start doing roofs,” another member noted, “everyone in the district is going to want a roof replaced.”
Others agreed the grant program has occasionally allowed improvements beyond the literal front of a building, such as visible rear entrances, but said roofs fall outside the spirit of the policy.
Ultimately, no board member offered support for a motion to approve the grant, and the request died without a vote.
Board supports downtown revitalization grant effort
The conversation shifted when the board considered a different opportunity, a state Match on Main grant program designed to help revitalize downtown districts.
Under the program, the state can award up to $25,000 toward building improvements if the local TIFA provides a 10 percent match, or $2,500.
The funding would support improvements at the General Store, including potential façade upgrades and interior safety improvements.
Board members said the grant could help address issues like outdated doors, fire code concerns, and other improvements that could strengthen the downtown business.
“This is worth a shot,” one member said.
Because the program reimburses expenses and requires an application through the local authority, the TIFA would submit the grant request on the business’s behalf.
Members also noted the local match would be relatively small compared to the potential benefit.
“We’re actually saving money,” one member said. “If they came in with a regular grant request, it could cost us more.”
The board unanimously approved moving forward with the grant application and providing the $2,500 match if the state funding is awarded.
Applications are due in April, with award decisions expected in July.
What it means for downtown
The meeting illustrated the careful balance the TIFA board is trying to maintain.
Members made clear they want to support local businesses and encourage improvements downtown, but they also want to protect the original purpose of the city’s façade grant program.
At the same time, the board signaled strong interest in pursuing outside funding opportunities that can bring state investment into the district.
If the Match on Main application is successful, the project could become one of the next visible reinvestments in Whitehall’s downtown core.
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