Commission approves Franklin Associates to design Howard School indoor sports facility; financing tied to 2020 bond fund and South Broad agreement

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 3 approved Franklin Associates Architects Inc. to design an indoor sports facility at Howard School. The vote followed committee recommendation and a brief exchange about how the project will be financed.

Commissioner Graham moved the resolution and Commissioner Shipley seconded. Commissioner Sharp asked for clarification on the funding source, saying, "I'm just curious as to the funding source of this project." Todd Lehman (staff) and Lee Browner (finance staff) responded that the project obligation arose from negotiations tied to the South Broad agreement and that the majority of the required county funds will come from the 2020 bond fund. Browner said, "The majority of these funds will be coming from the 2,020 bond fund that was, funds were set aside for this project." Staff agreed to follow up with the commission on how much remains in the 2020 bond fund.

Commissioner Sharp said he supported the project but sought clarity on whether funds were assigned during the budget process or by the mayor; staff replied that the funds had been assigned at the time the bond proceeds were allocated and that there had been prior discussion with the commission about intended uses.

The resolution to hire Franklin Associates for the Howard School design was adopted on roll call. No changes to the design contract were discussed at the meeting; commissioners asked only for a follow-up report on fund balances in the 2020 bond fund.