Tax Increment Funding (TIF) was proposed to partially fund a new Greene County Early Learning Center at the regular meeting of the Greene County board of supervisors on Jan 27.
ELC board co-presidents Jacque Andrew and Bill Monroe, treasurer Donna Sutton, and director Cherie Cerveny updated the board on the proposed building of a new childcare facility near the present middle school and current ELC. The group had previously presented information to the board during their request for annual funding.
The new building is designed to serve 150 children from birth to school age. The current building can only serve 94 children. Andrew said, “Childcare is crucial for attracting young families to the area. More than half the current families using the ELC are from outside the city limits of Jefferson.”
The not-for-profit group will begin a campaign to raise money, calling it a “once in a generation investment.” Estimated cost for 12,000 square feet, 10 rooms to serve 150 children, is $2.7 million.
The group requested $250,000 from the board toward the new facility.
Chair John Muir said he had consulted with the county’s TIF attorney and found TIF was a possibility if the current urban renewal plan could be amended and several other factors considered.
County attorney Thomas Laehn said there would need to be data showing the building would be an urban renewal project and important for economic development to qualify for funding through TIF.
The board agreed on the importance of a new Early Learning Center that would meet current state requirements and increase the number of children served. “We need to start kids out right,” said Muir.
Supervisor Pete Bardole said, “We do need quality childcare, both private and the ELC (non-profit) for growth.”
Muir said, “A continuum of support from early childhood up through the Career Academy makes a safe, supportive community.”
TIF money is already being used to fund the Career Academy.
No action was taken by the board.
County attorney Laehn said he will convene a grand jury on Feb 11. “There’s no special reason for this,” he said. “It’s just good to have one impaneled in case it’s needed.”
Grand juries are used when the county attorney is uncertain whether charges should be filed in a case. Evidence is presented to the grand jury and they can initiate prosecution if necessary. “In essence, it lets the public decide whether to move forward,” Laehn said.
“The grand jury can also inspect public facilities like the jail. It keeps the public involved in the oversight of the sheriff and the jail,” Laehn said.
Laehn said 50 to 60 people would be chosen as a pool from which 12 would eventually be chosen to serve for the rest of the calendar year.
In other business, Michele Madsen reported the ambulance service has been inspected by the Iowa Department of Public Health and is authorized to operate through Jan 21, 2023.
Patty Treibel-Leeds, representing Central Iowa Community Services, presented information about mental health services in the 11-county region. Treibel-Leeds said, “Preventative services prevent mental health crisis.”
Ellen Ritter is the central point coordinator and local contact for services and information at 515-386-5686.
