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Southmore property purchase and DNR grant discussed; council weighs match, timing and future maintenance
Summary
Councilmembers and staff reviewed the proposed DNR grant for the former Southmore Golf Course, the required 25% local match, uncertain grant timing, and potential future maintenance and demolition costs if the city acquires the property.
Councilmembers and staff spent an extended portion of the budget workshop on the possible acquisition of the Southmore property and an associated Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant.
Staff described a potential DNR grant of $1,275,000 for purchase of the site and explained the city must provide a 25% match. Councilmembers noted the budget currently includes a $450,000 line item for that match (the figure shown in the proposed budget represents the local match component the council previously approved to apply for the grant). Staff emphasized that the matching funds are for purchase only and that additional funding for demolition, maintenance and future improvements would be required later if the city completes the acquisition.
Officials discussed timing and uncertainty. Staff said the grant appropriations must flow through the state appropriation process and that the DNR’s own evaluation, the legislature’s appropriations and the governor’s signature affect timing; staff described December as a latest‑seen example for similar grants but cautioned dates are not guaranteed. Councilmembers asked whether the city would receive the DNR funds as a direct check deposited to the city and were told the grant would be deposited and then the city would disburse its portion as part of the purchase process.
Councilmembers debated whether to set aside additional funds now for future demolition and site work or wait until the grant and closing are finalized. Staff noted the property is not yet owned and key approvals remain outstanding; they recommended keeping the match funding in the budget but deferring additional improvement spending until after the grant and purchase are certain. Several councilmembers said they were comfortable keeping contingency within the general fund and returning later with a budget amendment if the DNR grant and purchase close.
The Parks and Recreation discussion also covered priorities such as field maintenance and Burton Youth League needs. Coaches and councilmembers raised the prospect of purchasing pitching machines and improving practice capacity; staff said they will pilot borrowing neighboring league equipment and consider a future budget amendment for durable machines if needed.
No final acquisition decision or appropriation beyond the match was made at the workshop; staff and council agree multiple state approvals remain and the city will revisit capital needs after grant confirmation.
