EL DORADO -- Union County will try to get a grant to help pay for expansion of the area's recreational complex.
A grant application has to be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism by the end of August for a possible grant of $250,000. The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program offers a match of up to $250,000.
Greg Harrison, the recreational complex's board chairman and a member of the Union County Quorum Court, said any grant funds that are awarded will be directed toward the completion of two fields on the south end of the complex -- fencing, restrooms, a concession stand and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Stephens Financial representatives, Jason Holsclaw and Melissa Walsh, attended a special Quorum Court meeting earlier this week. Holsclaw handed out packets that included proposed plans of finances, three of which would require a public vote -- sales and use tax bonds, an advertising and promotion tax, and property tax bonds.
The fourth financial plan, which he noted was "unique," were franchise fee revenue bonds and would not need a public vote.
"We wanted to look at what your financing options might be when it comes to financing a public parks and rec-type facility," Holsclaw said.
Holsclaw noted that the situation is unique for the expansion, because the city and the county both operate the complex. The two entities would have to reach an agreement regarding any tax proposals and the use of any revenue from city franchise fees.
The estimated total cost of the project is $7 million, starting from the bottom.
Harrison said there are four fields already in existence, but would need to be renovated.
"If we do receive that $250,000 [grant money] obviously that $7 million price tag is going to go down quite considerably," he added.
Dianne Hammond, co-chairman of the recreation complex board, said if they are awarded the $250,000 grant, the matching $250,000 would be split 50/50 between the city and county, totaling $125,000 each.
Metro on 07/20/2018