At last week's City Council meeting, Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris announced the Residential Exterior Improvement Program. 

Harris told the Hart Media Group that the City has budgeted $50,000, enough for 10 grants. The grants will cover 75% of the cost up to $5,000 for landscaping, siding, window repairs, and other similar projects. 

Currently, this program is only for homes in TIF district IV, also known as the downtown district. Harris says this is only a pilot program for now, and they hope to expand it with the upcoming TIF district V. 

The City plans to use what they learn from this upcoming year of the program to develop it further in the future, including how much is budgeted for it. Harris emphasizes that the funds do not come from the City's general fund, but rather from the TIF program. 

Harris notes that while this program could pair well with the Block-by-Block program, its small service area at the moment limits how the two can work together, as Block-by-Block can service the entire City. He adds that with the Residential Exterior Improvement Program, the homeowners will be expected to hire the contractors. 

Economic development is a major driver of the beautification efforts in Clinton. Harris feels that it's about making a good first impression on visitors, potential residents, and potential manufacturers looking to come to the area. 

Harris strongly encourages those with questions to reach out to him or other relevant city officials. He adds that social media can often be a source of misinformation.