Chickasaw County directs bond counsel to begin urban renewal plan amendment to add roads and projects

The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors voted April 6 to ask bond counsel to prepare Amendment No. 3 to the county’s urban renewal plan so more projects can be listed in a single update.

Board members said expanding the plan’s list of eligible projects — including paving projects B22 and T76, Alta Vista, North and South Lin paving, the New Hampton maintenance shop and multiple bridges — would reduce the need for repeated small amendments and the associated consultant costs. The board’s motion directed the county’s bond counsel, Jason of Alooney law firm, to prepare engagement materials and begin the amendment process.

Supporters said adding a broad set of parcels and ‘‘not to exceed’’ amounts would provide flexibility and reduce legal and financial work later. One supervisor said the intent is to include projects with estimated remaining life under 10–15 years so they are available when funding and timing align. The board discussed using conservative cost estimates to allow for inflation and anticipated interest rates when calculating the not-to-exceed figures.

Staff said the public hearing on the amendment could be scheduled in May or June, and noted some assessment and levy figures will not be finalized until the end of April. The board emphasized that listing a project in the urban renewal plan does not guarantee it will be constructed; project-specific decisions and lettings will follow separate approvals.

The board approved a motion to engage bond counsel and start the amendment process (mover: Steve; seconder: Isaac). The county administrator said he would request an engagement letter from counsel and work with staff to assemble parcel lists and cost estimates for the amendment.