The Union County Quorum Court agreed Tuesday to a commitment with El Dorado to proceed forward with a grant application for the Recreational Complex.
A special meeting was called to discuss funding options for the expansion/renovation at the complex.
At the El Dorado-Union County Recreation Complex Board meeting on July 6, board members agreed that getting El Dorado and Union County officials on the same page would be the best way to advance the expansion project.
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 ADPT’s Outdoor Recreation Grant Programs offers a match of up to $250,000.
During the complex meeting, Greg Harrison, complex board chairman and member of the Union County Quorum Court, said any grant funds that are awarded will be directed toward the completion of the two fields on the south end of the complex. Specifically, Harrison said the money will go toward fencing, restrooms, a concession stand and Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Also in attendance at the Quorum Court meeting were Stephens Financial representatives, Jason Holsclaw and Melissa Walsh.
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.
At the complex meeting, 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 a memorandum of understanding 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.
“We pulled $7 million out because that was the number that we started with,” Holsclaw said. “Again, this is just a proposal.”
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.
Harrison noted that the existing fields at the complex are getting close to 30 years old.
“This is an option that I am trying to bring to the table to help benefit the community and draw people here because that seems to be what our end goal is,” Harrison said. “Being involved in athletics and having young kids myself and having friends that have young kids, this is what they’re going to request or otherwise we’re going to see more families going out of town every weekend to play.”
Also in attendance Tuesday was El Dorado Mayor Frank Hash, who said he believes in the complex and thinks “it’s a economic engine that needs to be fleshed out and fully operational.”
“We’re kind of the regional lead right now,” Hash said, referring to the complex. “We don’t need to lose that lead, but before we can get there, we have to go back and come up with a long term agreement that will weather us through.”
Dianne Hammond, co-chair of the 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 $120,000 each.
“Right now, as far as the commission is concerned, what we need to know is if there is going to be a commitment there so we can apply for this grant,” Hammond added.
After deliberation, Justice Dean Storey made a motion to agree to participate with the city “on the $125,000.”
The quorum voted 9-0 yes to approve the motion, with Justices Carolyn Jones and Justin Hendrix absent.
Kaitlyn Rigdon can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].