On September 11, the Village of Sutherland Board of Trustees approved claims in the amount of $19,085 from the LB840 Sales Tax receipts the Economic Development Program has been receiving since January of 2023. The claims are in payment of the first three projects completed under the Property Improvement Program.
The paid claims include $10,000 to the Sno*White at 928 First Street. The owners, Devin and Sandi Ruff have completed extensive exterior renovations of the historic downtown Sutherland business and have been open on a limited basis since July. The Sno White is a Sutherland landmark, having served up ice cream and meals in the community since the 1950’s. The business is extremely important to the quality of life of the Sutherland community and the prepared food sales are taxable and will help to replenish the balance of the economic development fund.
Residential property owner Nita Van De Water at 1022 Second St. was awarded $2835 for the replacement of the public sidewalk in front of her home. The completion of this sidewalk means that the community has access to a safe, unbroken sidewalk on Second Street from Spruce to Oak.
The final payment is $6250 for the award to Streeter Electric at 130 Park Street. The Streeter’s purchased a derelict residence and spent considerable time and money to convert it into the headquarters of their business, even going through the rezoning process to change the zoning from residential to commercial. The award helped them install a new concrete driveway which will improve the appearance and their customer’s access to their business.
The Sutherland Economic Development Program created under Nebraska’s LB840 statute is funded by a half-percent sales tax approved by the voters in May of 2022. As of August, 2024, lifetime receipts to the Economic Development Program are $141,177.12. Under the program, the Village of Sutherland has created three initiatives to encourage economic growth. These include the Business Development Loan and Grant, the Property Improvement Loan and Grant and the Digital Marketing Grant. The Property Improvement Loan and Grant is designed to benefit both business owners and residential property owners.
Details about the economic development programs, including guidelines and applications can be found on the Village website, VillageofSutherland.com/economic-development.
