During a recent meeting of the Village of Hortonville Board, significant steps were taken towards enhancing local economic development through the approval of a small business development grant agreement. The board discussed the importance of this initiative, which aims to support businesses within the downtown zoning district, with a maximum grant amount set at $50,000.

The proposal, presented by village officials, emphasizes the goal of distributing funds effectively to maximize community impact. Board members expressed a desire to see grants typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000, allowing for collaboration among businesses to cover larger projects. This approach is intended to attract more visitors to the downtown area, ultimately benefiting the local economy.

The board unanimously approved the grant agreement, with the condition that any changes recommended by the village attorney and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) would be incorporated. This flexibility allows for potential improvements to the agreement that could further benefit local businesses.

In addition to the grant discussion, the board also reviewed a proposal concerning a property at 458 North Crest Street. This proposal, which involves a minor adjustment to property lines to accommodate an existing patio, was previously vetted by the planning and zoning committee. The adjustment aims to resolve a property boundary issue, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

The meeting underscored the village's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for local businesses while addressing community needs through careful planning and collaboration. As these initiatives move forward, residents can expect to see positive changes that enhance the vibrancy of Hortonville's downtown area.