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Nibley-funded recreation study draws questions from Wellsville residents about district powers and costs
Summary
Nibley City is funding a VCBO feasibility study for a regional recreation facility; Nibley officials say Wellsville is not being billed for the study and any future tax or bond would be subject to a public vote. Residents asked city leaders whether a proposed South Cache Valley Special Service District could use eminent domain and how weekend protest deadlines would be handled.
Nibley City is footing the initial feasibility study for a proposed South Cache Valley recreation facility, and Nibley officials told Wellsville residents the study will not directly charge participating cities for that work.
"Nibley City is not asking Wellsville to pay for a recreation center," Diane Roundy said during citizen input at the Wellsville City Council meeting on March 4, clarifying a circulated letter she said contained inaccuracies. She said Nibley has contracted VCBO for the feasibility work and has budgeted to cover the initial study for the benefit of the southern Cache Valley.
The clarification came after resident Tracy Bodrero asked whether the proposed Special Service District would have legal powers such as eminent domain and how the 60-day protest period would be administered if its final days fell on a Friday or Saturday. Mayor pro tempore Carl Leatham said he does not personally foresee the use of eminent domain for such projects but emphasized that a formal legal review is needed to answer those questions definitively.
Chad Wright, identified at the meeting as a Wellsville resident and Recreation Director for Nibley City, urged Wellsville to participate in planning so its residents have representation. Wright shared community survey results from the study: "70% of surveyed residents expressed strong interest in a recreation facility," he said, adding that 11% were firmly opposed and about 15% remained undecided pending details on location, cost and amenities. He also noted that if the project moves to a tax or bond, residents would vote on it.
Why this matters: a special service district can change how a project is funded and governed, and residents pressed council members for clarity on legal authority and protest procedures before any formal actions occur. Council members and City Manager/Recorder Scott E. Wells indicated the city would need legal guidance to clarify deadlines, filing accommodations and the district's liabilities.
No formal action was taken at the March 4 meeting. Council members acknowledged the questions and recommended that legal counsel review the district’s potential authorities and that the city monitor future study developments and public notices so residents can participate if proposals advance to a vote.
