MONTICELLO – In addition to a series of complex funding efforts toward the proposed Ted Stroebele Center project, several additional state and nonprofit grant opportunities were discussed by Village of Monticello Grant Writer Sean Wall-Carty at the village’s regular Wednesday night meeting.

Wall-Carty provided an update on the secured $1 million through Congressman Josh Riley’s Congressional Discretionary Spending allocation for the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, a community center located at 10 Jefferson Street in Monticello. Though that funding is in place, he noted that any additional federal support would have to come through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the form of a loan.

He explained that the village would need to demonstrate how it plans to close an estimated $3 million funding gap should it move forward with the full project. Wall-Carty added that USDA officials indicated there are no additional federal grant dollars available beyond the already-secured $1 million.

“We’re looking at a multi-stage plan to try to close that gap,” Wall-Carty said, adding that the village is exploring multiple funding streams that could reduce the amount it might ultimately need to borrow.

As part of that effort, he asked the board to authorize an application for a New York State Municipal Facilities Grant, the goal of which would be to secure state funds to offset potential federal borrowing.

“Our goal is to reduce whatever we would have to borrow,” Wall-Carty said.

He also explained that federal funding requirements would mandate the use of American-made products for the project.

Board discussion following the request focused largely on potential loan terms and overall project costs.

Wall-Carty acknowledged that board members may question what repayment would look like and whether the village would be obligated to borrow the full $3 million.

Calling it a “great question,” Wall-Carty said the exact loan terms, including interest rates and repayment length, remain unclear. He noted that USDA guidance has shifted from describing the loan as “no interest” to “low interest,” though no specific rate has been provided. He added that the village was recently advised to consult its bond attorney regarding loan terms.

Wall-Carty emphasized that the $3 million figure is not set in stone and would ultimately depend on final project costs and other secured funding.

Deputy Mayor John Barbarite stressed the need to determine a more precise project estimate before committing to large-scale borrowing, adding that the village should avoid taking on more debt than necessary.

While estimates have been developed and discussions held with department heads, several costs, such as improvements needed at the Ted Stroebele building, remain projections.

Wall-Carty also outlined a potential strategy to offset borrowing through the sale of the current Village Hall building. Under that concept, proceeds from a sale could be used to reduce loan liability. He added that the village could negotiate a lease-back agreement with a buyer to allow continued occupancy during the transition.

Wall-Carty requested that the board pass a resolution authorizing the village mayor and/or village manager to sign and submit applications for the USDA loan and the state municipal facilities grant.

Village Attorney Michael Sussman noted that applying for funding does not obligate the village to accept it and suggested that pursuing multiple options would provide flexibility.

However, the discussion extended beyond the Ted Stroebele project, as Wall-Carty provided updates on several additional grant opportunities.

The New York State Archives grant program recently opened, and the village will work with the Clerk’s office to prepare an application.

As part of a pro-housing initiative review, Wall-Carty is also working with village officials to submit required housing data to New York State.

Finally, Wall-Carty presented a $20,000 Municipal Partnership Grant opportunity through Sullivan 180 to support youth-oriented educational and enrichment programming. The program requires a 25 percent local match and could fund trips to museums and educational institutions, some of which offer free or reduced admission through the federal “Museums for All” program for SNAP benefit recipients.

Because the Sullivan 180 grant application deadline is March 6, Wall-Carty emphasized that the Board would need to act quickly if it wishes to pursue that funding.

Although the board discussed the various grant opportunities, no immediate action was taken during the meeting.