The Carroll City Council voted unanimously during their meeting this (Thursday) afternoon to allocate $100,000 in Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) funds to the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC) for the creation of the Carroll Small Business Relief Program. According to City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, aid packages are being put in place at the state and federal levels to reduce the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but city officials fear this assistance will not arrive in time.
The relief program will be operated and administered by the CADC for local businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pogge-Weaver explains the qualifications for participation.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis determined by level of impact including loss of sales revenue and employees in financial need of the businesses. Council member, Clay Haley, approves of the idea of using LOST funds for business relief.
CADC Executive Director, Shannon Landauer, participated in Thursday’s meeting by telephone and says they have made filling out applications as easy as possible.
Businesses are asked to complete an application as soon as possible. The first review of those applications will occur on Thursday, April 2 for ones received by noon that day. After April 2, any additional grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis until funds are depleted
