Amendment for Eagle Grove school funding passed

Close to 30 people attended a hearing Monday on whether Tax Increment Financing from the Urban Renewal Area established to accommodate Prestage should be used to fund an expansion for the Eagle Grove Community School District. Support was divided among attendees, but the county board of supervisors voted to approve the Urban Renewal Plan amendment to support the funds 3-0.

Once the expansion was planned for the Eagle Grove elementary school, former County Economic Development Director Bryce Davis requested the hearing for the urban renewal plan amendment. The board did not receive a formal request for funds until January 3, after the hearing had already been scheduled. The Eagle Grove CSD requested $1 million in the letter. Davis said the bond issue to pay for the expansion would not exceed $1.5 million—enough for the project and interest on the bond.

“Essentially, the 2016 Wright County Ag Urban Renewal Area is being modified for an educational enhancement facility project,” Davis said. “It’s basically an economic development grant to relieve the taxing jurisdiction within the first couple years until other things start cashflowing.”

“We are trying to borrow against our own taxable valuation to get money up front in 2018 when we need it, vs. in 2020 when the plant comes online and we have it for our taxes,” said Jess Tolliver, superintendent of Eagle Grove schools.

Though Eagle Grove as a community has frequently talked about rebuilding the 99-year-old high school, more space is needed in the elementary school, which is at full capacity. The expansion will provide eight general education rooms, two special education rooms, and also improve the cafeteria facilities to accommodate more students.

For the full story, see the January 11 edition of the Monitor.