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City grants two small business loans

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven City Council handed out loans totaling $62,500 through its Commercial Loan Program this week to assist in the continued improvements of two businesses in and around the central business district.

“The Commercial Loan Committee was busy for their first meeting of the year, they approved two loans,” City Planner Abbey Roberts told the council during its meeting on Monday.

The first loan was given to JB Wrenchin, LLC, located at 308 E. Church St., a mechanic business that works with machines for lawn and garden to heavy duty and commercial vehicles and also provides mobile mechanic services.

The loan totaled $45,000 and will be termed over five years at a 3 percent interest rate. The loan will be used to fund equipment, working capital and inventory and was approved by the committee on Jan. 16.

The approval, Roberts told council, includes a first lien UCC filing on all project equipment and a mortgage lien on the borrower’s primary residence as collateral.

The second loan was given to Genie’s 3 Wishes Bakery, LLC, located at 524 E. Main St. The loan totaling $17,500 will be termed over five years at a 3 percent interest rate and used for the purchase of equipment.

The approval, which was given by the committee, includes a first lien UCC filing on all project equipment at collateral.

Both loans were approved unanimously by council, with Council Member Steve Stevenson encouraging other small businesses within the city to consider applying for the program.

“We have the money to loan out. It’s a substantial amount so we would have flexibility for businesses to help out, to get them started and give them that extra $10,000-$20,000 to put them over the top,” Stevenson said. “We’ll take the risk on you if you apply all the numbers and the reports come back correctly with the right ratios and business plan.”

The city’s Commercial Loan Program is reviewed by its committee in collaboration with SEDA-COG on a rolling basis.

The goal of the loan program is to establish a below market interest rate program for small businesses to improve their facilities, expansion of existing firms and the start-up of new businesses in the city.

Those interested in applying for the program may contact Roberts at aroberts@lockhavenpa.gov or visit the city’s website, www.lockhavenpa.gov.

In other business council:

— Discussed donating funds to the continued Mill Hall Pool improvement project. Council heard from representatives of the pool committee on Jan. 6, who asked if it would consider assisting in the project or keeping them in consideration during the 2026 budget season. Council ultimately chose to table the matter until budget discussions to see what funds are available.

— Appointed various residents to the city’s authorities, boards, committees and commissions.

— Approved a request from the city’s authority for authorization to pay open invoices. The request was approved in a 7-1 vote, with Council Member Rick Conklin voting no.

— Received an update from Roberts about an extension of the CDBG engineering services agreement, which will last until Dec. 31, 2025.

— Received notice of a rebate from Wayne Township Landfill for increasing year-over-year recycling tonnage.

Council’s next meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 3, in council chambers at 20 E. Church St., Lock Haven, and is also available to watch live on its YouTube page.

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