DENVER — Rick M. Garcia, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Executive Directors Office, has offered a $10,000 grant to the Monte Vista Small Business Plan on Tuesday.

“In response to your recent request, I am offering to enter into a contract for a grant in the amount of $10,000 to assist with the completion of a Small Business Sustainable Economy Plan, through participation in the Colorado Challenge Program,” said Garcia in a letter addressed to Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker. “We anticipate these grant funds will be from state severance tax proceeds, which may cause you to go to election to receive and spend these funds.

“You should confer with your legal and budget advisors to determine if such an election is necessary.”

Please contact your Regional Manager, Christy Doon, at 719-589-2251 for information on how to proceed, Garcia added. Expenditure of state funds prior to the contract being fully executed cannot be included in the contract budget or reimbursed by the state.

“If a circumstance arises and you must spend your match dollars sooner than the full execution of the grant agreement, your regional manager must be contacted immediately to discuss the need and offer an appropriate solution,” he added. “Per our program guidelines, this offer is valid for one year from the date of this letter.

“Thank you for helping Colorado build an economy where all Coloradans can thrive.”