Marshall County commissioners voted without opposition Wednesday, October 28, to continue pursuing a $500,000 state grant that could help approximately 20 to 25 homeowners make needed repairs to their homes.
The county is seeking funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), with an estimated local match of $57,500.
Shannon McLeod of Baker Tilly told commissioners that 56 homeowners submitted applications before the application period closed. However, available funding would not be enough to assist everyone.
Applications were ranked using criteria including household income, elderly status, veteran status, disability and single-parent households. Homes outside incorporated municipal boundaries received an additional five points.
Preliminary budgets have been developed for the 23 highest-scoring homes, although final selections will depend on property inspections and review by the county’s housing committee.
Eligible improvements include roof replacements, water heaters, heating and cooling systems, minor electrical upgrades and accessibility improvements.
The county previously applied for the grant in June but was not awarded funding. Officials were encouraged to reapply after making adjustments to the application, including updating income information from 2025 to 2026.
McLeod said commissioners had already passed a resolution concerning the local matching funds in June. Wednesday’s vote reaffirmed their continued support for moving forward with the project.
The county hopes to submit its application by Friday, October 30, ahead of the November 1 deadline.
If funding is awarded, officials expect to receive a decision in January or February 2027. Property inspections are planned during the winter, with construction potentially beginning in April or May. The goal is to complete rehabilitation work by the end of 2027.
Officials also discussed a broader goal of rehabilitating 100 homes throughout Marshall County over five years. Plymouth, Bremen and Culver have expressed interest in pursuing similar projects, although other ongoing projects currently affect their timelines.
A required public hearing was held during Wednesday’s meeting, with no public comments.
Commissioners subsequently voted without opposition to continue supporting the application process. State funding has not yet been awarded, and no homeowners have been formally approved for assistance.