CARES ACT SPARK FUNDS

The Bourbon County Commission received $2.9M in CARES Act funds through the State of Kansas SPARK funding.  This funding is designed to help the county with the health and economic emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic.  For more information about the funding, visit https://www.bourboncountyks.org/spark/. 

The County Commission has created the following categories of funding requests:

• Reimbursement-for COVID related expenditures from March 1-July 30.
• Direct Aid-for COVID related expenditures from August-December.
• Small Business/Nonprofit Grant Program-a formula grant program designed to support these two groups with less than 50 employees.

Applications for funding requests from Bourbon County businesses, government entities, schools, and nonprofits can be found here. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE Saturday AUGUST 8 AT NOON.

There will be Zoom information meetings on Wednesday, July 29.  Register here to watch live or visit this link after Wednesday afternoon for a recording of the meetings.  Instructional slide decks will also be posted.

Call 620.724,6281 or email sparkinfo@bourboncountyks.org.

NEIGHBORDHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (NRP)
City of Fort Scott program for properties within the contiguous city limits. Property owners who make improvements for their property that result in a valuation of at least 15% are eligible for a tax rebate on the increase in property taxes resulting form the improvements.
Neighborhood Revitalization Program Eligibility
Neighborhood Revitalization Program Application

• Residential Rebates
  Residential properties are eligible for a 100%, five (5) year rebate on the portion of taxes generated as a result of the improvement if the improvements result in a minimum threshold of a 15% increase in appraised value. Five (5) percent of the rebate is to remain in the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund to cover administrative costs. 
• Commercial Rebates
  Commercial properties are eligible for a 100% ten (10) year rebate on the portion of taxes generated as a result of the improvement if the improvements result in the minimum threshold of a 15% increase in appraised value. Five percent (5%) of the rebate is to remain in the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund to cover administrative costs. 
• Historic Rebates
  Renovation of any property within a Historic District on the National Historical Register will be eligible for a 100%, fifteen (15) year rebate on the portion of taxes generated as a result of the improvement if the improvements result in the minimum threshold of a 15% increase in appraised value. Five percent (5%) of the rebate is to remain in the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund to cover administrative costs. 

REVOLVING LOAN FUND
The purpose of the City of Fort Scott Revolving Loan Fund is to encourage business development and job growth by offering gap financing at low cost to businesses.
Revolving Loan Fund Application

NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN GRANT
The BEDCO New Business Downtown Grant is to serve as an incentive for new businesses located in the Historic District which contribute to the economic development of Fort Scott.
New Business Grant Program Eligibility
New Business Grant Program Application

DOWNTOWN PAINT GRANT
Private grant funded by Steve and Elaine Buerge to help downtown building owners spruce up their building facades with a fresh coast of paint. The grant helps cover the cost of paint up to $500.
Downtown Paint Grant Application

BEDCO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The Bourbon County Economic Development Council offers forgivable loans based on job creation for new and expanding businesses.
For more information, contact Steve Buerge at 620-224-8411.