Kenton is between a rock and a hard place. 32% of the people in Kenton (out of 8,000) pay for the bulk of the entire City budget ($4,647,705.98 for 2024). That is approximately 2,560 people (or $1,552 each). 30% are retired and 38% do not pay in but could. If just 10% more paid in that would be an additional $1,241,600 a year of revenue. That would take care of extra levies and would adequately provide funding for our existing government structures, Unfortunately, this is not currently an option. With our failing infra-structure and basic utilities that need updated we must find grant money to cover that cost of these improvements. Mayor Lynn has hired Jon to help track down and assist in this process. Lynn and Cindy have done a great job of getting our current construction paid through grant monies but at some point handling the current projects and chasing funding for the future projects just becomes too much. They do not want to pass this cost on to the citizens. Think what you will of Jon, but in the end we (Kenton) must have funding to continue updating our infrastructure in the down town and business areas.
Jon Cross presented at council his role in helping the City of Kenton to find funding for their infra structure projects as well as economic development. He has a 12 month contract at $1,000 a month to provide consulting support in 5 different areas.
1. Community Downtown Revitalization Grant: This grant has several different requirements (one being a Downtown Revitalization Committee) and Jon will help navigate these stipulations to give Kenton the best chance at winning this grant money ($1 Million)
2. Jobs OHIO Grant: Using this grant to help businesses to come into the City of Kenton
3. Housing Grants: With the new school and the state's $100 million budget item for Rural housing Jon will be looking for opportunities to bring housing developments into Kenton
4. Public Works Projects: The City of Kenton has located $40 million dollars worth of infrastructure that needs to be done. Finding and qualifying for these types of grants would help Kenton immensely.
5. Economic Development: We need to bring in businesses to Kenton to help reverse the downturn in our local economy. Jon will work with the Business Chamber and Alliance to find and attract new business to Kenton.