I do understand

July 25, 2016

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

I do understand the value of the YMCA for folks? health, athletic and social drives, and I do certainly value our youth. What I don?t understand is why our city council is willing to gift a parcel of land with no property tax benefit from said property once the building (to be funded by taxpayers) is in operation. It seems land gifts would be better directed toward business or industry that would create jobs and more tax revenue.

I don?t understand why the current physical property, twice the size of the new proposed building, is somehow not large enough. Reports indicate there are electrical issues that need updating, and one wall needs some work, but this seems minor in cost compared to this new proposal. What would happen to the current physical property if the Y vacates it? Will the Y sell it and put that toward their desired new facility? Or would the city feel obligated to purchase it, creating even more city expense.

I don?t understand why visible banners and mailings term the Y as ?city? and ?county,? yet the county is not voting, nor will its property tax see an increase. I do know the county supervisors declined to gift a full $50K, something Vision Iowa was suggesting before they, themselves, would consider a grant. Our county supervisors understand the money would be better spent on county roads and bridges.

I also remember back when the Y approached the council asking for land. They specifically stated they weren?t asking for money, just land. So now we?ve progressed to this bond measure. What happens when this proposed new facility needs to expand to equal, at least, the size of the current building? More financial requests? From whom, an already strained property tax community? Many in this community have already struggled with increases in the past, and yet they continue to be asked for more and more. It seems infrastructure issues, such as sewer and water concerns, should be brought to the top and achieved before any such luxury is even considered. This is the way most of us live our day-to-day lives, putting prioritized need ahead of luxury.

Please vote ?No? on the bond issue for a new YMCA

Gerald Franzen