GALION — The City of Galion is helping local businesses get back on their feet as they grapple with the changes of reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city — together with the Galion Port Authority — has established a COVID Relief Fund, with a total of $190,000 available. Businesses can receive up to $5,000 to offset expenses incurred while being closed as well as costs related to meeting new safety guidelines, according to Mayor Tom O’Leary.
“Our responsibility as city officials is to do everything we can to ensure as positive of a startup as possible,” O’Leary said of the partnership. “If we can help 30 or 40 businesses to have a smoother reopening then this program will be a great success.”
The loans, which are being administered by the seven-member Port Authority board, are interest-free, with no repayments required for the first 12 months, O’Leary said. Businesses must be located within the Galion corporation limits to qualify for the funding.
Since the application process opened in June, about 60-percent of the available money has been disbursed to 19 businesses, according to Chad Miller, a Port Authority board member. Priority, he said, is being given to companies that retain or hire new employees.
Miller said interest in the program has waned a little, especially in the last few weeks, but that a wide variety of businesses, from restaurants to professional service providers, have picked up and returned Relief Fund applications to the city building.
Miller said there is still plenty of funding available, and he is encouraging local businesses to check out the loan program if they’re interested.
“We’re more than willing and ready to help them,” he said.
O’Leary said city council unanimously approved the transfer of funds from the mayor’s budget and the depot budget to establish the COVID Relief Fund.
“It’s really a neat program,” O’Leary said. “The money is still out there. I’m expecting another little bump in interest soon.”
Applications are available online at www.galion.city, at the City Building and at the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce. They must be returned in person to the City Building weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other arrangements can be made by contacting Miller at 614-306-4182.