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Brainerd delays referendum approach after YMCA says timing won’t work for $4 million pool request
Summary
Staff reported a $4 million request from the YMCA for a new aquatic center. Baker Tilly identified tax‑increment bonds as a funding option; the YMCA later asked not to pursue a referendum. Councilors agreed to take no immediate action and asked staff and the YMCA to present a business plan and funding details.
The Personal Finance Committee discussed a $4 million funding request from the YMCA for a new aquatic center and reviewed potential financing options, including tax‑increment bonds suggested by the city’s municipal advisor.
Staff said council had previously directed drafting referendum language at its June 1 meeting, but the YMCA subsequently informed staff that a voter referendum would not fit the organization’s timeline. Committee members discussed options: proceed with tax‑increment bonding, adjust referendum language, rescind the June 1 direction, reject the request outright or seek other alternatives.
Several members said they want to see the YMCA’s business plan and more detailed financing proposals before taking action. Given the YMCA’s timing concerns, the committee agreed to take no immediate action on the referendum language and to await further information and a more detailed project plan from staff and the YMCA.
Next steps: staff will continue working with the YMCA and the municipal advisor and will present a business plan and financing options to the council for future consideration.
