Board votes to financially support Cascade pool project

     It took the Jones County Supervisors some time before coming to a decision on how much to help fund the City of Cascade swimming pool project.

     The first motion to designate $10,000, split over two fiscal years, to assist Cascade with the $500,000 Enhance Iowa Grant, failed 2-3. Those opposed included Supervisors Wayne Manternach, Joe Oswald and Lloyd Eaken.

     Another motion offered $7,500 over two fiscal years with a letter of support passed 4-1, with Manternach opposed.

     “I disagree with the cash donation,” voiced Manternach. “I’m in support of a letter of support, but not a financial contribution.”

     Cascade City Administrator Deanna McCusker, who was present at the meeting, said the grant deadline is Oct. 15. She planned to submit the application on Oct. 10.

     “This is not a whole lot different than what we do with other quality of life projects,” voiced Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach. “These projects impact a lot of people.” In the past, the supervisors have designated funding toward the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center in Monticello and the Wapsi Trail Project in Anamosa.

     McCusker said a recent bond referendum passed by 92 percent to allow the City of Cascade to borrow $2 million for the swimming pool project.

     The total project is estimated at $3.5 million.

     Derek Lumsden, Jones County Economic Development director, offered that the Enhance Iowa Grant is funded by the state legislature an on annual basis. The state typically allocates $5 million toward projects across the state: trails, swimming pools, community centers, etc.

     “As long as there is community, public and private support, a project usually gets considered,” he said. “But Cascade is unusual because it sits in two counties, and you have two counties putting money toward it, which helps.”

     Manternach questioned whether Monticello or Anamosa came to the county for funding assistance when those cities built new pools.

     “We have supported quality of life projects in Jones County,” answered Supervisor Ned Rohwedder, “just maybe not pool projects.” He said the Youth Development Center benefits the entire county, and continues to see positive usage.

     “We just appreciate anything you’re willing to give toward the project,” said McCusker.

     She said the plan is to break ground in August of 2019, and have the pool open in June 2020.

     Breaking the funding over two fiscal years allows the county to work the funding into the county budget.

In other county business:

     • The board approved law enforcement contracts between the Sheriff’s Department and the cities of Martelle (in the amount of $2,800) and Olin (in the amount of $30,310).

     County Auditor said the contract is based on the amount of service the cities are getting from the Sheriff’s Department.

     • The board appointed Lumsden as a citizen representative to the board of directors of ECICOG.

     • Sulzner informed the board that the City of Wyoming is working to place their entire city into a TIF district. A public hearing on the matter is set for Nov. 12 in Wyoming.

     • The board is working with Chad Kraus, Monti Home Improvements, on plans to renovate office space within the Broadway Place Annex.