Trail authority explores repayment, partial forgiveness to resolve roughly $180,000 shortfall
Loading...
Summary
Board members discussed options after a crowdfunding effort netted less than expected. Options include a multi-year repayment plan, partial forgiveness, waived dues or modest contributions from member governments; no formal action was taken.
Unidentified Speaker 2 told the Qantas Regional Trail Authority on Feb. 11 that a recent lunch with chairperson Van Dorn and Commissioners Martis and Cassidy revealed county leaders were less informed than the authority expected and that a funding gap from earlier fundraising must be resolved.
The meeting matters because the shortfall threatens planned trail work and has strained relations between the authority and municipal/county partners. The authority’s speaker reported that roughly $395,000 was raised via crowdfunding but that after fees and deductions the net stood at about $370,000, producing an unresolved balance the board must address.
Board members discussed three possible responses conveyed to county leaders: partial forgiveness of the outstanding balance; offering the county a seat on the board or waiving membership dues to offset the shortfall; or a multi-year repayment plan. According to Unidentified Speaker 2, Commissioner Martis favored the repayment approach and told the speaker he would accept an extended schedule, saying, “I don't care if it's 10 years.” The authority did not receive a binding commitment from county leaders at the meeting described.
Speakers noted several factors behind the shortfall, including rising material and design costs, multiple alignment changes that incurred extra expenses, and an unanticipated supervisory/engineering requirement tied to a DNR grant that added roughly $65,000 in cost. Unidentified Speaker 2 also said the authority’s liquid assets are limited (the speaker referenced assets under about $54,000), which constrains options and increases the likelihood the board will need outside assistance or a multi-party agreement to resolve the gap.
Members discussed seeking modest additional contributions from member municipalities (examples floated included $25,000–$30,000) or spreading remaining amounts over longer terms. Several board members emphasized the importance of negotiating a settlement that preserves future collaboration with the county and municipalities rather than escalating conflict.
No formal motion or vote to adopt any settlement option was taken. Unidentified Speaker 2 asked members to submit ideas by email and said staff and board members will work on a draft proposal to present at the next meeting.
