$4 Million Budget Approved for Stockert Youth & Community Center Multi-Purpose Facility

September 24, 2022

Mountaineer News

Buckhannon City Council

BUCKHANNON - On Wednesday evening, September 21st, a Special Session of City Council was held to discuss the finalization of the proposed Stockert Youth & Community Center multipurpose building plan design and use of space.

DOWNLOAD THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING HERE

Here's the Indexed Video Recap:

1.

SEGMENT ONE:

0:00 - Introduction and comments by Mayor Robbie Skinner

7:07 - Councilman Jack Reger expresses concerns over the proposed $4 million budget; Cites incompletion of Colonial Theatre and current economic climate as issues to consider

2.

SEGMENT TWO:

0:00 - City Finance and Administrative Director Amberle Jenkins discusses funding options with Council

1:10 - Discussion regarding the reasons Buckhannon does not qualify for USDA grant monies

4:00 - Councilman Jack Reger asks City Office Manager Amberle Jenkins to define a reasonable rate for council

4:44 - Mayor Robbie Skinner explains why he feels money raised for the center thus far should be used as a general fund to be used for unforeseen construction items and not used for a down payment

Segment closes out with discussions regarding a potential $3,565,000.00 loan re-payment would be $17,000-$19,000 per month (depending on 30 or 40-year term) equaling $229,000 per year

3.

SEGMENT THREE:

0:00 - City Finance and Administrative Director Amberle Jenkins returns with loan re-payment numbers based on $4 million, per City Recorder Randy Sander's request. Brief discussion from Council ensued.

THE NUMBERS:

$4 million at a 30-year term would equal a payment of $257,674 annually; Payment with a 40-year term would be $231,454 annually

4.

SEGMENT FOUR:

0:00 - Mayor Robbie Skinner recognizes long-time Stockert Youth board member, Don Nestor

0:14 - Don Nestor asks Michael Mills of the Mills Group if there are additional things that could be done if bids for the project come in over budget

2:43 - Don Nestor provides a general comment regarding Councilman Jack Reger's concerns

4:45 - Councilman Dave Thomas addresses Don Nestor

6:50 - Councilman Dave Thomas reflects on the past next ten years of sales tax revenue in excess of of $20 million

8:28 - Further discussion and interaction between Mr. Nestor and City Council

5.

SEGMENT FIVE:

0:00 - Councilwoman Pam Bucklew provides remarks to Council

0:53 - Councilman David W. McCauley provides remarks to Council

6.

SEGMENT SIX:

0:00 - Funding is approved unanimously by City Council with discussions regarding the next stage with the City's Bond Council

7.

SEGMENT SEVEN:

Council Comments and Announcements:

0:00 - Pamela Bucklew

0:15 - David McCauley

0:37 - Jack Reger

1:19 - David Thomas

1:40 - CJ Rylands (Absent- Comment by Mayor Robbie Skinner)

1:46 - Randall Sanders

8.

SEGMENT EIGHT

0:00 - Comments by Stockert Youth Board Members

3:10 - Mayor Robbie Skinner's comments and closing remarks