One has to ask just what did the county board get us into with ORB and their associates and problems on every project?
The YMCA was over budget before we started. Community Center Director Diane Booth is on record saying the rush to start did not give her enough time to find needed funding. Over budget already, next phase bids came in almost $2 million more over budget, almost 25 percent!
Just what does ORB really know? Where is the responsibility? Cuts may drop the water slide, diving board, bleachers, walking track, etc.? Are they sure these are the cuts the community wants?
When over budget before we started, why did we jump the gun? Where will the over budgets come from other than property taxes? Perhaps we need to take back the $3.1 million allotted for the EDA’s golf course?
In 2009, before the referendum vote I asked about the hospital’s needs. Where was the responsibility to inform voters of the need for improvements so citizens could make an informed vote? Unless they bought into someone’s gimmick who needs work, $16 million in improvements didn’t just drop out of the sky!
How could the city council involve taxpayers with plans and costs not nailed down so they could chase their dreams? One has to ask just how selfish the decision-making has been.
Any contractor will tell you building in the winter, which includes sub-zero temperatures, will always be over budget and not give the best bang for the buck. Nail down a plan and costs before you continue or it will cost down the line. It’s common sense and has already been said, what’s the problem?
They had one chance to get it right and they are long past blowing that. The library was almost 100 percent over budget and 1 percent sales and use tax is spoken for. Just what we will end up with and the cost to taxpayers isn’t clear yet.
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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