The first expenditure of Cook County’s new 1% sales and use tax has been approved, and Birch Grove Community Center gets the distinction of being the recipient.
In comparison with some of the other projects the tax will be funding, Birch Grove’s estimated $471,950 project is modest. Its outdoor recreation facilities—children’s play area, tennis court, and ice rink—will see much-needed repairs and upgrades. According to county Auditor- Treasurer Braidy Powers, Birch Grove will be contributing $60,000 toward the total amount needed.
On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the county board approved payment of $11,000 to the University of Minnesota Center for Changing Landscapes for its architectural design of Birch Grove’s outdoor facilities. Commissioner Bruce Martinson reported that soil borings and a property survey have already been done.
The other project approved for funding is the Grand Marais Library expansion. The board approved an expenditure of $60,000 for architecture and design services.
The library has requested $800,000, which is $100,000 more than its original estimate. Powers said the library expansion committee added the extra expenses to cover unexpected costs and price increases since first estimates were made. The architecture and design work will enable the committee to be more specific in its cost projection.
Theboard’s approval of this expenditure was conditioned on the receipt of informational documents and a joint powers agreement with the City of Grand Marais, which shares library costs with the county.
The seven projects approved by statute for 1% funding are: Birch Grove Community Center outdoor recreation facilities; Grand Marais Library expansion, Cook County community center and pool, Superior National Golf Course capital improvements; a biomass-fueled heat and electrical plant; outdoor recreational infrastructure near the current community center on county land in Grand Marais; and broadband fiber optic infrastructure.
Up to 20% of what the county will take out in bonds can be spent on pre-construction costs and later reimbursed by the bonds without making a “Declaration of Intent.” After that threshold is met, any expenditures will require a Declaration of Intent, and the county must reimburse itself from the bonds within 18 months of the payment or 18 months of when the project is up and running, whichever date is later, but in any case within three years of the payment date.
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