Real-estate agent Scott Campbell asked Washington’s City Council to continue funding the city’s façade-grant program.

Campbell’s plea came during the public hearing on the proposed city budget Monday. That proposed budget, for fiscal year 2016-2017, does not include funding for the program.

Campbell, who said he’s a beneficiary of the program, said the program, has proven to be extremely effective. “I walked around town for a couple of hours on Saturday and got 50 signatures on a petition from folks who have used the program, or building owners and shopkeepers who have used the program,” Campbell said.

The program has a significant financial impact in the downtown area considering the “small amount” of money allocated to the program in past years, he said.

“The city has had four and a half times that amount spent back into improvements,” Campbell said, urging the council to restore funding for the program to the proposed budget.

The council took no action on Campbell’s request, but could do so before it adopts the budget, which likely will occur May 23.

The proposed budget uses funds previously allocated for the program to help pay for a city employee who would serve as the city’s “downtown beautification person.” That employee would focus on keeping the downtown area clean and improve its appearance, in part to attract tourists.

The program, which began in fiscal year 1991-1992, awarded 143 grants totaling $256,660 through fiscal year 2007-2008, according to city records. The total cost of improvements made to the downtown properties during that period came to $1,164,784, according to city records. There were no grants awarded in fiscal year 2003-2004.
The program improved exteriors of buildings in downtown Washington. It provided funds to help replace awnings, replace windows, repoint bricks and make other aesthetic upgrades. At one time, the program paid for roof repairs and landscaping. Property owners/business owners applied for grants. Applications were reviewed, and grant recipients selected. Grant recipients were required to contribute money toward their projects. The city would pay up to $2,000 for a project.

Sometimes the program’s funds would be depleted and the city would provide more money.