Story County directs staff to confirm original scope before reallocating Collins urban renewal award

The Story County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 5 discussed a request from the City of Collins to reallocate leftover funding from an awarded urban renewal project. City officials said storm shelters came in under budget — $37,000 actual cost versus a $60,000 award — leaving about $14,000 available. Collins requested reallocating $4,000 toward fencing for a new pickleball court, $5,000 to replace concrete pads and trash receptacles for relocated park benches, and $5,000 to fund artwork and materials to paint a pedestrian tunnel that leads into the park. County staff told the board that modifying an award previously certified for fiscal 2026 can be administratively sensitive and that supervisors should decide whether the proposed uses fit the originally approved project scope. Supervisors asked for clarification on which components were part of the original award, requested exact cost estimates or receipts for the originally approved elements, and urged the city to prioritize safety-related items if money remains. No formal reallocation was approved at the meeting. Staff were directed to work with Collins’ mayor and city staff to assemble firm cost information and, if the revised spending clearly fits the scope of the original award, to return with a recommended amendment or next steps. In the meantime, supervisors said elements that were part of the initial award — such as the fence and shelters — should be completed first.