Commissioners question sports-complex cost estimates as CIP timing shifts funds into FY2022

Commissioners questioned whether the county’s current capital-improvement-plan figures for a proposed sports complex and related projects are realistic after staff told the commission the project is likely to cost considerably more than the FY2021 placeholder.

Staff presented CIP timing changes that move Snow Hill Park and the sports complex funding into FY2022 rather than FY2021, saying the change is a timing adjustment rather than a net increase in county funding for the capital plan this year. The county’s summary showed potential borrowing of about $30 million in both 2021 and 2022 under the current plan and described new bond authority received from recent legislation that adds roughly $33 million of borrowing capacity to the plan.

Commissioner concerns focused on the sports-complex estimate. Commissioner Hewitt said the current $4 million figure “just doesn't seem to be enough money” given infrastructure needs on the 249-acre site, including clearing, stormwater, roads and utilities. John Shepherd (staff on the call) described the project as multi-phased and said the total cost for full build-out now looks substantially higher: “It's gonna be, up over $10,000,000, I'm gonna suspect,” he said, adding that the initial phases might be phased to reduce near-term spending.

Staff described next steps: the county is awaiting an MSA market and feasibility study expected in September to determine the scope — tournament-grade fields, amenities, and realistic revenue assumptions — and commissioners will use the study to finalize the project scope and funding plan in the FY2022 budget process. Staff also noted that some project elements (construction costs) are typically entered into the CIP after engineering and design work is completed.

The commission recorded agreement with staff direction to adjust CIP timing as presented and to return with more detailed project costs after the study and design work.