The state Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded a $200,000 grant for Indiana County to develop its fiscal management and economic strategies.
DCED Secretary Dennis Davin says the grant will be used to develop a multi-year financial management plan, operational strategy, and economic and workforce development plans.
In a recent appearance on Indiana In the Morning on 1160 WCCS, Commissioners Chairman Mike Baker says the grant will enable the county to be creative in coming up with an economic development strategy. “It’s going to help us to plan for the financial stability of the county by doing things like helping us find ways to reduce spending, identify ways to enhance revenues, and support the long term community and economic development, best management practices, and even some ways to work cooperatively with other levels of government.”
Commissioner Rod Ruddock credited Byron Stauffer of the county Office of Planning and Development with submitting the grant request and “going into great detail” in putting it together. “This is something that we have done in the past, but this is a more organized way of doing business and asking for outside assistance in making sure we are doing the right things financially.
The DCED grant funding comes from the Early Intervention Program, which is designed as a preemptive step that enables municipalities to improve their financial position and fiscal stability. It’s a matching grant, which requires the county to kick in an equal amount.
