Community Development Block Grant
Small Cities Program
There are two types of programs that exist under the CDBG program, (1) An annual grant allocation to the County (Formula grant) and (2) competitive programs (ie CHIP, HOME, Downtown Revitalization, New Horizons, Economic Development, etc.)
The “Formula” Grant
The County receives annual funds based on a formula used to determine its allocation, which takes into account population, per capita income, and the local unemployment rate. Each funding year, Geauga County is informed of its allocation (usually around $200,000-$250,000). The County Commissioners then select projects to be funded based on local officials’ and citizens’ input and requests. The Community & Economic Development staff prepares the Formula application, informing the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) how the County proposes to use the funds. The staff administers and monitors projects by securing engineering or architectural services, bidding and contracting for construction services, and ensuring that local, state, and federal regulations are followed.
Each year the Commissioners receive many more funding requests than can be funded with Formula allocation. It is therefore important that the projects to be carried out are selected carefully, taking into consideration both short and long range plans, for orderly and realistic development and redevelopment. As a part of that process, a community needs assessment (CAS) is carried out for each community assisted with federal dollars.
Examples of Past Formula Projects:
Chardon Municipal Center elevator, Burton Village sidewalks, Montville Day Care Center rehabilitation, County Home egresses, Lavrich Youth Home construction, Century Village ADA parking lot, Great Geauga County Fair ADA parking and Grandstand ADA seating, Chagrin Falls Park demolitions, Huntsburg Townhall ADA elevator, Parkman sewer project, Troy Community Center elevator, Newbury’s Restful Lake Community Center rehabilitation, Claridon Townhall ADA rehabilitation, Metzenbaum ADA rehabilitation, Habitat for Humanity new housing construction, Ravenwood Mental Health facility sidewalks and rehabilitation, Pleasant Hill County Home rehabilitation, Das Deutsch Center, Geauga Lyric Theater rehabilitation, Thompson Township demolition, Patterson Center, Ravenwood Water Tower, Senior Center rehabilitation, Transit purchase of van, Farmland Preservation plan, County Comprehensive Plan, County Economic Development Plan, CHIS plan, Middlefield Senior Center construction, and many more.
The Community & Economic Development Department sends the Formula application to all townships, cities, and villages usually by April of each year. Applications may also be sent to area non-profit organizations and agencies.
Applications are made for the following year. All projects must be completed before December 31st of that year.
Selection of projects is at the discretion of the Geauga County Board of Commissioners who consider the benefit to the community and county, benefit to low to moderate income populations or special populations (MR/DD, Seniors, Disabled, etc.), public safety, grants received by the entity in the past, project feasibility, in-kind funds and cash provided by the entity to the project and the amount of funds available.
Formula Project Eligibility
Funds may be used to address the needs of low to moderate income (LMI) persons or special populations.
LMI is determined by the 2000 census. The census tract must indicate a population of great that 50% LMI persons. If the area does not indicate LMI the community may under take a door to door income survey. The development office staff can assist the community in this endeavor.
If the area is LMI the community may use the funds for a variety of purposes including;
rehabilitation of community centers, street improvements, sidewalk and curb construction, sewer or water line construction, storm drainage, park and recreation improvements, childcare facilities, transportation services, senior centers, schools, youth centers, health centers, parking facilities, fire protection services and libraries.
These activities are also possible if addressed to a special population, such as the elderly or MR/DD persons.
If the community or organizations does not have a 51% LMI population they may use the funds to rehabilitate buildings that do not meet ADA requirements or eliminate slum & blight.
Eligibility Questionnaire:
Is your community in a 51% LMI census tract?
If so, you are eligible to apply for the following activities: rehabilitation of community center, street improvements, sidewalk and curb construction, sewer or water line construction, storm drainage, park and recreation improvements, childcare facilities, transportation services, senior centers, schools, youth centers, health centers, parking facilities, fire protection services and libraries.
If not, do you believe a door to door income survey of your community would prove 51% LMI?
If so, we will provide you with the survey forms and format for the survey.
If your community is not LMI and would not survey as LMI, the following are eligible projects:
Demolition of unsafe structures
Rehabilitation of public buildings to meet ADA requirements
Geauga County CDBG Formula Application | Community Assessment Survey
Please contact us with any questions about your project.