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Resident presses council on $5,000 sale and EDA authority; staff cites liquor-fund financing
Summary
A resident asked who authorized a reportedly low-dollar sale of EDA-owned property and requested transparency about acquisition and demolition costs; city staff said the project was funded with liquor-fund reserves ($225,000) and a separate $26,000 tree fund and explained the EDA lacks an independent levy and relies on council/county approvals.
A Saint Francis resident urged the council to explain how a parcel behind a Subway restaurant was sold, saying he had repeatedly asked for details about the city’s costs for acquisition, demolition and tree removal and that the Economic Development Authority (EDA) seems to have discretionary power without clear accountability.
"If they pay 250,000 for the property, 30,000 for tree removal, say, $510,000 for the building removal... who gave that power? Is it the city? Is it the EDA?" the resident asked, pressing for a public explanation of the sale process and the money spent.
City staff responded with itemized funding and process context. City administrator Kate said the purchase and associated work for that project were covered primarily from liquor-fund reserves: "The liquor fund provided through council's approval, 225,000 that covered all of the costs until we hit the road project... The 26,000 was for the trees, and that was through a separate fund." She added that the EDA can acquire and dispose of property but has no independent levy or steady budget and must rely on council or county approvals for funding and major decisions.
Kate recommended the resident submit written questions so staff can research records, provide precise accounting and ensure proper documentation. Council members also encouraged residents to use email or contact department staff for follow-up and said more detailed questions could trigger formal data requests when needed.
