Board agrees parks department will manage rehabilitated Williamsport Cass County Memorial Center

The Parks and Recreation Board voted to approve a resolution designating the Parks Department as the future manager of the rehabilitated Williamsport Cass County Memorial Center. The resolution (2025‑06) establishes the board’s support for the department to operate the facility after rehabilitation work is complete.

Malcolm Jarrell, who presented the project to the board, described a multi‑phased rehabilitation approach. He said the city became sole owner of the building in 2022 and that the project is a roughly $3 million effort to preserve historical character while adapting the building for community use. Jarrell outlined a three‑phase plan beginning with exterior restoration (masonry and window work), followed by mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades and accessibility improvements including an elevator, and finishing with interior fit‑out and furnishing. He said the financing concept under discussion included roughly $1 million in public funds, $1 million in private fundraising and $1 million in foundation grants.

Board members asked about long‑term operating costs and staffing; staff and Jarrell said the city council would have to fund added personnel and that the Parks Department would need additional staff if it formally took on operations. The board’s resolution asks the city council to formalize the designation and to surface any funding or operational concerns. The motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote.