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Council directs RFP for $100 million community campus after debate over cap and referendum
Summary
The Middleton Common Council voted 7–1 to direct staff to develop an RFP to select an architect for a community campus project with a 'not to exceed' cap of $100,000,000. Councilors debated lower and higher caps and an advisory referendum; amendment attempts failed and a proposed referendum died for lack of a second.
The Middleton Common Council directed staff to issue an RFP to select an architect for a proposed community campus project with a not‑to‑exceed cap of $100,000,000 after extended debate over budget scenarios and public consultation.
Alder Crow moved the directive to develop the RFP and set the cap; the motion drew immediate discussion about alternatives and public engagement. Councilors referenced three funding scenarios previously prepared by finance staff — roughly $65 million, $85 million, and $110 million — and argued about what level would meet community goals for compact land use, parking and long‑term needs. Alder Myers argued for an advisory referendum and said he was uncomfortable approving anything above $85,000,000 without a citizen advisory referendum; the motion to add a referendum failed for lack of a second.
Supporters of the $100,000,000 cap said it provides a clear guidance point for respondents and allows room for design that could include emergency‑response and public distribution space, not just replacement of existing buildings. Opponents warned about potential tax impacts and urged fiscal caution; staff and finance highlighted that closure of an existing TID reduces immediate tax impact and that higher dollar scenarios had been modeled. One finance figure discussed at the meeting suggested that, without the TID closure, a larger figure could mean per‑household implications in the hundreds of dollars.
Following unsuccessful substitute and amendment votes on $110,000,000 and $85,000,000 caps, the council adopted the unamended motion directing staff to pursue the RFP and architect selection process with the $100,000,000 cap by roll call vote (motion passed 7–1). Councilors said the RFP process will provide the next, more detailed phase of design choices and cost estimates that will be needed for any final funding decisions.
Next steps: staff will draft an RFP for an architect and begin procurement under the $100,000,000 guidance; council discussion anticipated as design work and financing scenarios materialize.
