Utica council hears Plant Moran financing options and authorizes purchase agreement for packing‑plant site

A financial assessment presented to the Utica City Council on April 14 estimated a new municipal complex could cost about $14 million to $22 million depending on scope and land costs, and outlined several options to generate the annual debt service needed to pay for it.

Brian Kamler of Plant Moran told council the city has ample debt capacity on paper — a $35 million limit with current use near 3.7% — but that paying for construction would require choices about new revenue or reallocation of existing funds. "You have plenty of capacity to borrow," Kamler said, but added municipal bond debt service for a 25‑year loan at current rates would be roughly $1–$1.5 million per year for a $14–$22 million project.

Kamler reviewed internal steps the city could take without a public vote, including more aggressive cost allocation across funds, a street‑lighting special assessment (he estimated the city's street‑lighting cost at about $155,000), and an Act 33 public‑safety special assessment (2–4 mills could raise an estimated $450,000–$950,000). He also discussed the longer route of seeking a new millage. "2 to 4 mills would generate between $450,000 to $950,000," Kamler said, noting each option carries tradeoffs for taxpayers and service levels.

Council then considered a separate but related real‑estate item: the city authorized the mayor to enter into a purchase agreement with a prospective buyer for the 22‑acre packing‑plant site. Aaron Jusma, the realtor handling the listing, introduced Mario Kizzi, who presented a letter of intent and said environmental constraints likely preclude single‑family housing on the parcel. Kizzi described an initial concept focused on sports and recreation and offered a transaction structure that included a refundable earnest deposit and negotiable environmental‑cost concessions. "The environmental undertaking is pretty significant," Kizzi said, and he said he would advance due‑diligence work at his own expense if needed.

Councilmember motions to authorize the mayor to sign a purchase agreement carried by roll call. The council and Kizzi discussed carving acreage or reserving parcels to preserve city options; the purchase agreement will include typical due‑diligence provisions and a refundable earnest deposit, with details to be finalized by the city attorney and the buyer.

What happens next: Plant Moran’s recommendations are expected to be part of upcoming FY‑27 budget discussions, and the packing‑plant purchase agreement process will move forward with the agreed due‑diligence timeline and negotiated terms.