The Grand Forks council will need to decide the fate of so-called quality of life projects by September if the goal is to place a ¾ percent sales tax before voters in November.
On the table is a proposed children’s museum… aquatics center…and indoor turf facility. Right now the tax supports the Alerus Center and is scheduled to sunset in 2029.
Under one scenario the city would pay for the bonds to build the facilities and the Park District would manage the sites. Park Board members reviewed the feasibility report this week (Tuesday). The analysis suggests the aquatics facility would need $224,148 annually to cover expenses and the sports facility $268,090 for operational deficits.
Mayor Brandon Bochenski says placing both facilities near the Alerus Center seems to make the most sense. “If they do go forward there is a synergy of workforce and staffing. The Alerus Center site is the only place that could house both and it is on a good corridor along 42nd.”
Parks Superintendent George Hellyer says identifying revenue sources to offset annual expenses is the key. Ideas kicked around range from property taxes and naming rights to a public vote on a .25% increase in the hospitality tax. Bochenski says the goal is to try and keep additional taxes out of the equation.
Construction costs alone could top $100 million dollars.
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