Minutes 06-02-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

Browse Search

18 Commissioner Dorosin said the document says it has to be a non-profit. Commissioner Greene said it can be a small business, up to $3 million a year. Commissioner Dorosin said the document does say that, but $3 million seems pretty high for a small business. Commissioner Greene said this standard was used, as it is the same standard that is used for the small business loan and grant program. She said it seemed high to her too, and is open to suggestions. Commissioner Dorosin said it would seem odd that a business with gross revenue of up to $3 million would need this type of grant. Commissioner Bedford asked if it would work to continue the weatherization program, and would that mean a department could put in for additional funding for their program. Commissioner Greene said yes. Travis Myren said yes, the intent is for funds to not go to projects that are already funded through the CIP already. Commissioner Bedford suggested leaving the $3 million threshold for now, to see how it works. Commissioner Price said the $3 million number was just to offer consistency with existing programs. Commissioner Price referred to the wording in the scoring process, paragraph 3: "the Commission for the Environment (CfE) may consult with other experts or advisory boards on any and all applications for the purposes of diversity and inclusion...," and said she wants this language to be stronger. She said she wants language that says, "in the event that the CfE lacked diversity the CfE shall consult other experts and advisory boards, such as the Humans Rights and Relations Commission". Commissioner Marcoplos said the County is going to learn a lot during this next cycle, and he would recommend waiting and reviewing the process next year, if need be. Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC is creating something new and making changes is no less baked than anything that already exists. He asked if anyone knows why the $3 million is the threshold for the grant and loan program. Gary Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer, said the $3 million number is a carryover from the Economic Development small business loan program. Commissioner Dorosin asked if this number was picked for any particular reason. Gary Donaldson said that happened before his time, and he can get him the information as to why this number was chosen arbitrarily. Chair Rich said the BOCC could come back to amend the process, if need be. Commissioner Dorosin said given the priority being placed on social justice and racial equity, the BOCC may want to target smaller businesses. He said he appreciated the work his colleagues have done on this, and would like to know how many small business loans have gone to businesses making $3 million. Commissioner Marcoplos said $3 million does not seem like that much to him, and what is left at the end of the year of a $3 million business is not much. Commissioner Greene agreed with raising the questions, but said it is likely good to wait and watch. She said the scoring criteria include equity and social justice. Commissioner McKee said the document says gross income should not exceed $3 million, so smaller entities could certainly apply. Commissioner Dorosin said it does not exclude businesses that make less, but he is just saying the cap should be lower. Commissioner McKee agreed that $3 million is not much at the end of the day, and such businesses would not have excess cash to start a big project. He said for many businesses this may just be breaking even.