Council Approves Split Grant Loan Program to Fund Community Project

During the Medford City Council meeting on July 16, 2025, a significant decision emerged regarding funding for a local project, with council members debating the structure of financial assistance. The council is considering a hybrid approach that combines a grant and a loan, aimed at providing immediate support while ensuring the city can recoup funds if the property is sold for commercial purposes.

Councilor John Quinn led the discussion, advocating for a split funding model that would allow for a partial grant and a loan with a 0% interest rate. This approach aims to bridge the financial gap for the project while preventing a potential windfall for the recipients if they sell the property soon after receiving the funds. "I think we should just give them the money to have them bridge the gap," Quinn stated, emphasizing the need for a straightforward solution.

The council's deliberations included various opinions on whether to simplify the process by offering a full grant or to maintain a lien structure. Councilor Kevin Keating expressed skepticism about the benefits of splitting the funding, suggesting that a straightforward lien would be more efficient. However, the consensus leaned towards a combination of grant and loan, with the understanding that the loan would be due upon the sale of the property.

City staff will now work on drafting a formal proposal that reflects this hybrid funding model, which will be presented for approval at the next council meeting. The urgency of the project was noted, with expectations to expedite the funding process to avoid delays that could extend up to a year.

The council's decision marks a proactive step in supporting local development while ensuring fiscal responsibility, setting the stage for further negotiations on the specifics of the funding arrangement.