ONTARIO — Ontario City Council voiced its support Wednesday for contributing about one-third of its CARES Act funding to a small business grant program.
Mayor Randy Hutchinson asked the board to consider transferring between $20,000 and $25,000 to the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, which is administering a grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Both the City of Mansfield and Richland County Commissioners have contributed CARES Act funds to the program.
Any funds contributed by Ontario would only be available to small businesses within city limits, Hutchinson said.
The Chamber is accepting applications from Richland County small businesses through Sept. 13. Eligible businesses must have 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or fewer, have $1.5 million or less in revenues in 2019, have been in operation prior to Sept. 1, 2019 and be a for-profit business.
Multiple council members spoke in favor of the idea. A vote is scheduled for council’s upcoming meeting on Sept. 16.
According to Hutchinson, Ontario received approximately $67,000 in CARES Act funding. These funds must be encumbered by Oct. 15 and spent on COVID-19 related expenses by Dec. 30.
Hutchinson stated the city chose to absorb the early costs associated with COVID-19, which were minimal.
The only significant use for CARES Act funding besides the small business grant program will be installing touchless sinks, faucets and toilets in the restrooms at public parks and public bathrooms in city buildings.
Hutchinson told council he was still waiting on estimates for the project, but it will likely cost around between $40,000 and $45,000.
