Like a home renovation project run amok, the bill for the Credit Union CUPlex continues to climb. An initial commitment of $10 million in taxpayer support for the multipurpose facility is going up and its going to be a long term legacy for the citizens of North Battleford.
The anticipated announcement construction tender awards for the final two components - a curling rink and field house - has been slow in arriving, and the outcome of Monday night's meeting of city council provides some insight into that delay.
Those last two components are now expected to cost $55 million. That's $5 million more than was estimated by Barr Ryder Architects in 2009.
The estimate sent City administrators to the drawing board to come up with options for council to consider. Three scenarios were presented - debt financing, eliminating the field house component or raising the City's recreation levy by 75 per cent.
Council seems firmly behind the final proposal, which would mean those taxed as a single family dwelling would pay an annual $175 Recreation Culture Capital Facilities fee, for the next two decades or so. That's up from $100, which has been the rate at which RCCF levy has been applied to City tax bills since 2008. The levy has been in place since 2006.
Businesses also contribute to the RCCF, and an increased rate of 1.6 mils will be applied if the proposal is approved.
The $55 million price tag means the City is facing shortfalls in financing all four components of the project. Current funding in place amounts to $37 million, leaving a shortfall of over $17.8 million.
At Monday's council meeting, Mayor Ian Hamilton and some city councillors stated they believe the citizens of North Battleford are largely behind the project. Councillor Ron Crush pointed out the increase amounts to 20 cents per day for an average family. Of course that's 20 cents a day for the next 20 years or so. Some might view that breakdown in a different light over the long run.
Mayor Hamilton also noted the current council was elected on a platform of bringing all four components of the CUPlex into reality. The council seems ready to move ahead with that dream, but a final decision will not be made until Feb. 7.
A special meeting of city council has been scheduled for that day at 7 p.m. with the express purpose of addressing the CUPlex funding shortfall.
The delay was made to ensure council has time to consult with taxpayers. Will those in favour of the increase be in touch with council or administration? More than likely.
But, how will council gauge the reaction of those in support of shelling out a higher RCCF levy to see the project becomes a reality? Will their silence be interpreted as a tacit go ahead?
It's one of the most far reaching decisions faced by the current city council. We'll all be watching closely when a decision comes down in a couple of weeks.
