PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER | THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GRANTS … MVPO representative Lorenzo Zamora highlights the available CBDG funding for Fulton County for 2026.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Commissioners met for their regular session on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer and roll call. Commissioners then approved the agenda as amended.
Under old business, Commissioners reviewed the county investment report for December 2025. New business followed with a series of resolutions.
Commissioners approved appropriations requests for various county departments and authorized the second half of 2025 payment to the Center for Child and Family Advocacy.
The board also approved entering into a 2026 wellness grant agreement with CEBCO. The commissioners next approved a recommendation from the county engineer regarding load rating reductions on various county bridges.
The board also authorized entering into Contract 2026-3 with the Fulton County Sheriff on behalf of Job and Family Services. Purchase orders and travel requests were approved as part of the regular agenda.
Local officials and community leaders were recently briefed by Lorenzo Zamora on Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) funding opportunities available to Fulton County through the Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO)
The program offers several funding options for infrastructure and community improvement projects that primarily benefit low to moderate-income residents.
To qualify, at least 51 percent of the population within a project’s service area must meet income eligibility requirements, and any income survey used must have been completed within the past five years.
Fulton County may apply for two critical infrastructure projects this year, with funding focused on urgent needs such as failing water systems or documented health hazards.
One Residential Public Infrastructure project slot is also currently available, offering up to $720,000 for large-scale water or wastewater improvements.
However, applicants must already have an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Permit to Install and provide a matching funding source.
Additional programs include Downtown Revitalization grants of up to $225,000 for building improvements in designated downtown areas and Flex Grants of the same amount intended to close financing gaps for projects with partial funding already secured.
Communities interested in applying must submit project information to MVPO by March 18, 2026. County Commissioners will review submissions this spring before determining which projects move forward for state consideration.
Construction for approved projects is expected to take place between 2027 and August 2028.
Lorenzo explained that MVPO also administers a separate housing rehabilitation program that assists eligible homeowners with repairs such as roofing, plumbing, and lead paint mitigation.
If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance, please get in touch with Maumee Valley Planning Organization.
With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be January 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.