Estherville, IA (KICD) — At their latest meeting the Estherville City Council approved upping the incentive for homeowners to make repairs and updates.
Up until now the city offered approved applicants a 50-50 split in the cost of their improvements up to $2,500. Councilman Dave Seylar works with Excel Estherville, the group partnering with the city to offer the grant, and noted that amount wasn’t the incentive it used to be with inflation.
The increase is still a 50-50 match, but will go up to a total of $4,000 and be limited to a percentage of the total home value. In addition to some new wording allowing for the use of the grant to improve garages to match housing on the property, Seylar outlined some projects the city would like to see the money used for.
Those living in their homes or renting them out are eligible, as well as those looking solely to sell since improving property value and curb appeal is a win-win.
There was also a focus on certain areas to improve homes according to Seylar.
Seylar went on to say that those preferences would only be exercised should applicants exceed the amount the city has set aside to offer the grant.
He also told KICD the city has seen some success with the grant already, and shed some light on the idea behind it.
Homeowners can apply for the grant yearly, applications for this year are being accepted starting October 4th through November 15th.