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Council debates scale of Corn Palace Plaza project; some members push to keep $750,000 line
Summary
Mitchell city councilors split over whether to cut the Corn Palace Plaza capital allocation from $750,000 to $500,000 or $250,000; supporters said $750,000 would produce meaningful improvements and remove an existing parking lot, while opponents worried the lower amounts would not deliver a usable public plaza
City councilors spent more than an hour on budget preferences for the Corn Palace Plaza redevelopment, with a range of proposals offered for the entertainment‑tax funded project.
The project is currently budgeted at $750,000. Several council members argued the full $750,000 should be preserved so the city can deliver a “place” with play features, shade structures and green space that will attract families and visitors. "This is money that's been earmarked for community project improvements … let's finish," Councilmember Tim said during the discussion.
Other council members urged caution, saying $750,000 may not buy as much as voters expect and that scaled options should be developed. Suggestions included reducing the city contribution to $500,000 or $250,000, carrying forward existing earmarked funds, or funding a phased approach that removes the parking lot and converts it to grass as a first step.
City staff reminded council that $100,000 already is earmarked specifically for plaza expansion, and that a portion of entertainment‑tax reserves have been designated for capital projects downtown. Staff also said a previous design priced at $1.2 million had been rejected by council, prompting the current discussion on downsizing the scope.
Several council members and public commenters emphasized removing the parking lot adjacent to the plaza as an initial priority for safety and public use. "At a minimum, that's where I was at — get that parking lot out of there," said Councilmember Marty, arguing for an initial conversion to green space.
Council did not take a final budget vote on the plaza at the meeting. Multiple members said they wanted to see market‑based “good/better/best” design options at proposed funding levels (250k, 500k, 750k) and asked staff to return with designs and costs. The finance staff also noted that if the council spends less than the full budget this year, the unspent entertainment tax funds would remain in the fund for future allocation.
Public comments included calls for hydraulic designs, shaded event structures, play elements, and an emphasis on removing the parking lot that faces the plaza. Council members asked the design team to produce options and clarified that if the city reduced the allocation the project likely would produce a simpler green space rather than a full plaza with water features and extensive play equipment.
