At the weekly county commissioners meeting on April 26, our consultant, ORB Management Corp. presented from a conservative standpoint preliminary operating numbers for the proposed Grand Marais Community Center.
The figures on the sheet in front of us showed projected expenses of $1,005,729, offset by revenues of $191,890 leaving a deficit to by covered by Cook County.
According to ORB’s figures, the county’s contribution would go from $335,270 to $813,839, to be paid from the tax levy and reserves with limited funding from other sources.
The county would be paying for the city and school’s tab of $267,939. Both entities have stated an inability to contribute financially. The commissioners were told ORB will be working in the future with the steering group to try to reduce staffing and other expenses.
An assumption was made that the curling club will be paying a $10,000 contribution for utilities during the first year, increasing over time until all cost are paid by the club. Upon completion of the community center, the club will take over the existing curling club building with the members being totally responsible for the cleaning of the facility.
I would encourage you to express your views at one of the public meetings to be held at the courthouse in Grand Marais on May 10 or at Birch Grove in Tofte on May 11, both at 7:00pm.
Commissioner Bruce Martinson
Schroeder
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