By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Commission took time during Tuesday’s meeting to preview the now available Façade Improvement Grant program for 2025. The program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners to make improvements to the exteriors of their buildings.
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said the first round of façade grants started in 2021 when Barton County received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the federal government.
"We started with ARPA funds that were designated to help spark our economy again after COVID," said Hutchinson. "As that ARPA money dwindled down, we had to figure out if could continue this. The way to continue it is by splitting it with the cities."
In 2025, Barton County has pledged $120,000 for façade projects in downtown areas of the county. Planned are two projects each in Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington, with a $20,000 maximum grant. In Great Bend, there are six projects allotted for with a $10,000 cap.
"I know for sure 50-percent of our property tax dollars come from the City of Great Bend," said Hutchinson. "So 50-percent of the grant comes from the rest of the county. That's how we come up with the math on this program."
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman said there have been 63 businesses that have already taken advantage of the program, making a visual impact in the county.
"You really notice it when you drive through other communities...which communities have that pride and are neat and well kept," said Zimmerman. "You look at that and think this is probably a place I would like to live. I think it helps us with business recruitment. It's so much bigger than the aesthetic appeal. It shows our community pride."
Applications for the Façade Improvement Grant can be found at bartoncounty.org.