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Vernon mayor asks Jennings County for $60,000 to finish gym restrooms, outlines bond options
Summary
Vernon Mayor Brad Bender told the Redevelopment Commission that the town has a $75,000 foundation grant but rising quotes mean the restroom project needs roughly $60,000 in local match; he asked the commission to consider helping and to allow him to present a capital plan to the county council.
Brad Bender, Mayor of Vernon, asked the Jennings County Redevelopment Commission on July 16 for county help to complete restroom renovations at the Vernon gym, saying the town received a $75,000 foundation grant but construction quotes have come in far higher than anticipated.
"Since I was here, we've received a foundation grant of $75,000 in restrooms at the gym," Bender said, and added that initial estimates that looked like $100,000 have risen closer to $150,000 because of material and supply cost increases. He said Vernon can scale back stall counts and other features, but that the project still needs local match money to move forward.
Bender described efforts to pursue a revenue or facility bond because the town’s tax base is too small for a conventional general-obligation bond. He said a revenue bond would require creating a holding corporation similar to arrangements used by some schools, and that issuance costs make smaller bond amounts less efficient.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about scope, sources and use of funds. Chair said commissioners wanted written project scope and cost estimates; one member suggested Vernon also present the proposal to the county council so the council could consider backing payments or TIF-related support. Bender said $60,000 would provide a buffer sufficient to complete a revised, three-stall restroom plan and that he would return with a capital plan and formal quotes.
The commission discussed whether existing TIF or other district revenues could be used and noted legal and accounting limits on redirecting funds. Members emphasized the need for a clear project list and a payment schedule before committing county resources.
Bender also described complementary town efforts—striping and minor patching on local streets, a five-year park plan approved by the state DNR, a library-hosted after-school program using the gym kitchen, and a desire to convert vacant houses into starter homes to increase the tax base.
The commission did not take a formal vote on funding at the meeting. Bender said he would seek placement on the county council agenda and supply detailed project documentation for further consideration.
