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Committee approves JBS Urban Barn contract; TID to bridge funding shortfall while state grant and nonprofit fundraising proceed
Summary
The committee approved a $1.345 million contract for a food-production barn at JBS Urban Farm and authorized using the JBS TID to cover a near-term shortfall while a recommended $468,900 state grant and nonprofit fundraising are expected to reimburse the TID.
The Green Bay Improvement Services Committee on April 29 approved awarding a construction contract for the JBS Urban Barn to Millbach Construction Services Co. for $1,345,075 and agreed to use the JBS tax-increment district (TID) to bridge a near-term funding shortfall.
Staff said the project was previously budgeted at about $1,000,000 and that the city had allocated $752,000 in ARPA funds plus $48,000 for solar panels. The low bid, including an alternate patio roof, came in at $1,345,075, leaving a potential shortfall of roughly $667,000 if outside fundraising and grant support did not materialize.
Project staff reported that the Wisconsin Department of Administration had recommended awarding $468,900 toward the project; that recommendation must still be approved by the state building commission on May 13. Natalie Baumstead, who identified herself as executive director of Wello, told the committee Wello had secured equipment funding and was actively fundraising to close the remaining gap. "This is one of the grants that they have selected in the amount of $468,900," Baumstead said of the Department of Administration's recommended award.
Tara Dean, who identified herself as a strategist for Willow, described the facility as an economic development and workforce pathway that would support local growers and small businesses. Dean said Willow/Wello planned to remain actively involved in activating the space and developing sustainable operating models for the facility.
Staff recommended awarding the contract and applying the JBS TID as the funding source for the shortfall, with the understanding any funds raised or granted would reimburse the TID. Committee members voted to approve the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will execute the contract and proceed with project administration; the committee will expect updates about fund-raising and final grant approval after the state building commission review.
