Merriam residents made several enhancements to their homes this year thanks to the City-funded Exterior Home Improvement Grant Program.

City Council designated $30,000 in 2018 for residents to make improvements to their homes. The projects varied from new siding and gutters to tree removal and other landscaping endeavors. Others replaced windows or driveways and some residents installed solar panels.

More than 30 applications were submitted and, of those, 16 property owners received funding. The average reimbursement was $1,875, with project amounts ranging from $5,460 to $25,736. Residents had to invest at least $4,000 of their own money to receive a reimbursement.

“The Exterior Home Improvement Grant was a great success,” said David Easley, with the City’s Community Development Department. “Overall residents had a positive view of this new program, and we can’t wait to bring it back next year.”

More property owners can take advantage of this grant program next year as City Council increased the program’s funding to $50,000 and lowered the minimum household investment to $3,000.

Easley said residents should start getting estimates for home improvement projects now because the City will begin accepting applications for the 2019 Exterior Home Improvement Grant on Jan. 2. Residents will receive funds on a first come first serve basis until all money is allocated.

Visit merriam.org/exteriorgrant for more information including eligible home improvements. Please contact David Easley at 913-322-5526 or deasley@merrriam.org with any questions.