The city of Osawatomie is sweetening the deal in an attempt to attract a grocery operator to take over the vacant Ron’s Country Market location.
The grocery store at 701 6th St. closed in 2017 less than a year after opening its doors. Much of the equipment, valued at $400,000, was almost brand new, and in an attempt to keep it from being sold off, the city purchased the equipment through a lease-purchase agreement with First Option Bank for a reduced cost of $150,000. The latest plan, which Osawatomie City Council members gave their support during their Sept. 13 meeting, is designed to attract a new grocery operator who, after seven years, would own both the building and the equipment.
City Manager Don Cawby said the latest plan is the result of extensive collaboration with First Option Bank and Associated Wholesale Grocers. In general, the incentive proposal is a lease-purchase for seven years, with no money down for the building or equipment.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)