When the current tax was passed approximately ten years ago one group in particular that supported the passage of the tax were the parents of girls and boys who played in the city softball and baseball leagues. These parents were told that upon passage of the tax that a sports complex much like the one located in ElDorado would be built and that it would be completed within three years. At that time I had a daughter entering the eighth grade. This past May she received her bachelors degree and to the best of my knowledge the sports complex has not been completed to the point that it approaches the quality of either the ElDorado or Warren complex (covered bleachers, walkways, etc.)

From my conversations with others I find that there is a reluctance to continue a tax when the taxpayers feel that commitments made have not been met.

It is also my feeling that at this point in time the city should be more concerned with attracting manufacturing jobs to Monticello than constructing a community center. The city will eventually reach the point that it will no longer continue to grow (it may have already reached that point) without bringing in jobs that will support a middle class life style.

I grew up in a small town that was controlled by a few people that prevented industry from coming to that town. Today that town is practically dead. I fear that is the direction in which Monticello is headed.

My suggestion would follow the logical series of events used in the process of clinical research.
1. Protocol. Every aspect of the proposal should be mapped out. This includes everything from location specifics, costs, personnel requirements, membership, etc. There should be absolutely no question without an answer. RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Every detail should be put to paper and available to the public.
2. Funding. Now, we can address where to get the money and the tax issue. Now is the time to bring it to a ballot. Only after we have a thorough understanding of the project can we hope to find the funds to complete it.
3. Implementation. Get on it and TRY to complete it within the time and expense already determined.
4. Review. Study every aspect to discovered both the successes and failures. Determine areas that can be improved, etc.

I certainly realize that there are problems that could occur even if these type of steps were taken, but I feel as though knowledge is key. The general public typically doesn’t even know the tax issues on our ballots. Heck, I have a college degree and still have to do some serious research to get past the garbled jargon on the ballot itself!! The status quo will always be maintained in the face of blissful ignorance. People are just not willing to support anything that they can’t understand.

So, Mr. Mayor, it’s fine to approach those community leaders for help on planning the project. Well done! Yes, they are some of our most successful citizens and would hopefully be quite aware of successful planning, but you must also focus so much more attention on taking it to the citizens of Monticello, WELL BEFORE THE BALLOT!!!

As to all the previous posters, I am so pleased to see such a response. But I am overjoyed to see those of my own generation taking initiative. It gives me great hope for the future of my hometown.

Currently their annual rates are as follows:

Residents of Sherwood:

Adults $240/ year
Children ages 5-18 120/ year

So the typical family of 4 would have an annual membership of $700

Non-Residents of Sherwood:

Adults $268/ year
Children ages 5-18 144/ year

Family of 4 would have an annual membership of $824

Of course, since our community is less than 1/2 the size of Sherwood, it would only stand to reason that our rates would be MUCH higher.

I have a phone conference with Sherwood’s Recreation Center Director on Monday and should also obtain the specifics on their current number of members later this week. I will keep you posted on the information as I am made aware.

Thanks,
Chris McCall

Regarding the generation of funds(mostly via memberships) to make the structure cash flow (not taking into account the actual construction): The “community center” or organization……however you choose to look at it, is modeled after one recently built in Sherwood.

Has anyone realized that Sherwood has a population of over 2 times that of Monticello?

The last statistics I’ve seen for Sherwood, had their population listed at over 23,000 residents. I’ll agree…..building a community center is a great idea…..in THEORY. In it’s current design, location, and potential member-base, however, it’s just simply not feasible.

Shelly, my concern nor this particular blog, has ANYTHING to do with what’s best for the “Lumber Industry”. Price did what was best for Price PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Josh, to clear up a few things mentioned earlier: Drew Foam is in the process of moving their business into an over 450,000 Square Foot, previously vacant building. I think that’s AMAZING. War Eagle has already done this which is ALSO AMAZING. Utilization of resources already available without wasting anyone’s money or resources what a novel idea SeaArk Boats and SeaArk Marine haven’t built any new division or made any substantial additions to their buildings or locations in at least 10 years. This, makes all these examples…..VERY different.

How this DIRECTLY relates to the topic at hand: The affects of poorly placed and poorly planned new construction are evident in the communities that house them. It also seems to be repeatedly implied that I dislike the mayor. That’s silly. It’s this poorly planned, half-baked idea that can in no way stand a chance of supporting itself I’m not fond of. Hey, I’m glad he’s trying…..it’s just time to hit the drawing board again.

I must say….the man has spunk though…..a $9 Mil + proposal in his first month. That’s over $900 for every resident of Monticello (regardless of their age). And then if every single resident joined the community center the memberships could never go lower than approximately $30 per year per member to pay to keep it open.