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Supervisors weigh CSB building rent approach as Spectrum pays below market share
Summary
Winneshiek County supervisors discussed CSB building leases, noting Spectrum occupies roughly 30–35% of the facility and that some tenants (food pantry) incur higher utility use; board members debated setting a flat per-square-foot rent or negotiating directly with large tenants.
Supervisors spent a significant portion of the meeting examining lease rates and occupancy at the CSB building. Board members noted Spectrum occupies "about 30–35% of the building" (square footage cited in the meeting) and that the county's current approach yields uneven contributions to building expenses.
A supervisor asked whether the board should set a flat rate per square foot for all tenants or keep differentiated rates tied to usage and services. One supervisor argued the food pantry pays more because it cannot zonally isolate electric service and therefore consumes more electricity; another supervisor suggested using a nearby building's market rate as a benchmark and sending tenants a proposed increase to spur negotiation.
The board agreed it would be useful to meet with tenants; several members preferred bringing tenants back to a public meeting so the proposed changes and rationale would be on the record. "If we determine an amount what we think is fair, we'll send them that and say this is what we're intending to charge," one supervisor said.
No rent change was approved at the meeting. Supervisors asked staff to convene tenants or meet with them individually and to bring a recommended rate or benchmark to the board at a future meeting.
