by Amanda Rink, Editor
March 4, 2024- The long-discussed Clarion REC Center project took a major step forward this week as the Clarion City Council approved a resolution declaring its commitment to the facility’s future. The resolution outlines the city’s role in providing land, ownership, and financial support for long-term maintenance.
Councilperson Dave Flurer, who provided an update from the Finance Committee during the meeting, made it clear that the city stands firmly behind the project. “The city is and has been 100% in favor of the REC Center,” Flurer stated during the meeting, which echoed statements made by Mayor Heiden last week.
Discussions around the project have been ongoing for months, with a key issue being where the facility should be located. The White Fox Development Area is still being considered, but since that land was intended to generate revenue for the city’s General Fund, city officials expressed concerns that placing the REC Center there could lead to long-term financial losses for the city.
Hanson Park has been offered as an alternative site at no cost to either the REC Center or the city’s tax base. It is unclear if the REC Center Board is considering moving the proposed site after the city’s official offer.
Another major discussion point the finance committee had in the past centered around the financial sustainability of the project. City leaders reviewed data from similar REC Centers in neighboring communities, which showed a concerning trend, many operate at a financial loss four out of every five years.
Adding to the concerns, a comparison of the median household incomes showed that Clarion residents earn up to $15,000 less than those in surrounding towns. This raised questions about whether membership fees would generate enough revenue to cover the center’s operating costs.
Despite concerns, the council moved forward with its commitment to support the project. Resolution 25-24 includes five supporting factors:
Land Contribution: The city will offer Hanson Park as a location for the REC Center through an economic development grant, “if Clarion Rec so wishes to use said real estate”.
Ownership: The city will take ownership of the facility once the building is complete, treating it like any other city-owned building by covering insurance costs, an expected $45,000 annually, according to City Administrator Clint Middleton.
Management: The city will lease the building to a third-party operator to handle daily operations.
Financial Commitment: A dedicated fund will be created for major repairs and the city will contribute $15,000 annually with a maximum cap of $100,000.
This support from the city addresses concerns from the financial committee. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Flurer and seconded by Shayne Hennigar.
With this approval, the city and REC Center organizers will move forward with finalizing the project’s details, including securing funding, and location, formalizing a management agreement, and preparing for construction. It appears the REC Center is one step closer to becoming a reality for Clarion area residents.
In other business the Council:
- Approved pay request #23 from Peterson Construction for the Water Treatment Plant for $161,500.
- Approved a Development Agreement with White Fox Holding LLC for 124 N Main
- Heard the final Property Tax Levy proposal, $17.76, from City Administrator Clint Middleton.
The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 18 at 5:00 P.M.
