Council approves Star Center guaranteed maximum price amid cost concerns, 5–2

The Northlake Town Council voted 5–2 to approve the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and funding approach for the Star Center project, moving the construction contract forward under the town's stated revenue structure.

Mayor Brian Montine said the building contract remains within the voter-approved amounts for the structure: "The building itself is still 45,000,000 plus 2,200,000 we're expecting to receive in grants," he said, adding that the additional $2.2 million is for energy-efficiency upgrades that staff is pursuing grant funding to offset. Staff emphasized that site, parking and infrastructure costs are funded through a separate TERS mechanism and dedicated EDC/CDC revenue streams rather than the general fund.

Public commenters questioned a higher headline figure circulated in the community. Joel McGregor, speaking during public input, said: "I bet you can guess what I'm here to talk about ... we found out it's actually $64,400,000." Councilors and staff responded by showing line-item categories and promised to provide a clearer breakdown. Nathan (economic development) told the council that prepayments and grant prospects reduce near-term debt service and that the GMP is a guaranteed maximum: "It's a GMP. It could come in lower, but let's count on that's the maximum price. They can't go over at this point."

Councilors who supported the motion said following the voters' direction and the town's feasibility work justified continuing; dissenting councilors voiced concern about headline figures and public clarity. The vote authorizes staff to continue with the contract under the presented financing structure and to share detailed line items with the council and public.