Commissioners face $1.2M decision
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“What we’re saying is why not fund this now while interest rates are at record lows and building costs are acceptable,” said 1st District Commissioner Bill Zechman, who supports the bond issue. “Why not get it done now so we can all enjoy it while at the same time taking advantage of low interest rates and saving money in the long run.”
The $1.2 million in question will be used to pay for the improvements of Nunley Stadium. Some of the improvements, such as re-working of the concrete in the stands, have already been completed. Aluminum seating and concession stands will be completed later.
Also part of the improvement initiative is either the replacement or re-furbishing of the aged seating at the Warren County Middle School auditorium. The last of the three projects is the construction of a multi-sport fieldhouse at the high school.
Regardless of how the commission votes Monday night, Zechman said the three projects will move forward. If the bond issue is shot down, the money will come out of the school’s budget. However, Zechman fears such action would not only delay construction and jeopardize getting low interest rates, but it would also deplete school finances.
“Either way it’s taxpayer money,” Zechman said. “It’s all a question of pay them now or pay them later. If we pay them now, we’ll be paying them a lot less. I know there will be some in opposition of this, but I don’t know why.
Zechman said he believes it is possible to do the bond issue without a tax increase. However, he said he cannot guarantee it. Any tax increase, Zechman said, would be “fairly minor.”
A joint meeting of the Budget and Finance and the Education committees will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, preceding the entire commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Zechman said if the costs are less than $1.2 million for the projects, he would like to see $25,000 appropriated for lighting at the new ball field near Nunley Stadium.