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Council debates funding approach; Caswell general fund needs and referendum timeline directed to staff
Summary
Councilmembers expressed differing views on whether to phase the project, do the full project at once, or use existing funds for other 2016 ballot items and pursue a referendum; staff noted Caswell typically requires about $77,000 from the general fund and was asked to prepare cost estimates and a referendum timeline.
Council Member Peterson said he thought the building was needed but opposed including a concession stand or bistro and preferred completing the project in a single phase rather than phasing it. Mayor Carlson said some needs originally intended to be addressed by the facility are now being met by other organizations and expressed support for Scenario 2 — using existing funds for other needs and conducting a referendum for the full project. Council Member Oachs said she did not support the food and beverage tax and was concerned that Caswell still requires a general fund transfer; she preferred directing funds to parks.
Council Member Steiner expressed concern that Caswell is not cash-flowing. City Administrator McCann told the council that Caswell typically requires about $77,000 from the general fund. Council Member Whitlock said the indoor facility would be an amenity for the city and local businesses, noted Caswell brings people to town, and favored doing the entire project at once. The council directed staff to review referendum steps, establish a timeline and prepare a full cost estimate to extend the sales and use tax so voters can decide whether to fund the full project.
