City moves forward with floodplain project, creative financing options discussed

RANDOLPH — The city’s floodplain project will continue as designed, with some creative financing solutions discussed by the Randolph City Council at a special meeting last week.

Phase II cost projections by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased by $3 million, which left City Council members scratching their heads about how to come up with the additional money to move the project forward.

Phase I of the project has already cost $5.7 million, of which $1.6 million was the city’s share, and Phase II’s actual cost remains variable.

At the meeting, City Administrator Ben Benton said delaying the next phase of the project will not improve the price tag. The city will have enough to fund the base, plus one option for the project, but will continue to work on securing funding for the remaining costs.

Benton made a funding request to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District for $830,433 to help with the project. The district will take an official vote on the funding request May 27.

Pierce County has designated $75,000 for the bridge work that extends into the county.

The Corps is also reviewing Phase II plans and hopes to shave off $460,000 to $500,000 on the project with a change in materials, said Jen Gitt, Corps of Engineers project manager.

To raise funds, Randolph’s sales tax of 1.5 percent will be directed toward the floodplain project and, if needed, the city could impose an 11-cent levy to generate $665,000, Benton said – but that’s still not enough money to fund the project.

A May 2022 election would be required for a 30-cent levy which would raise the needed $1.8 million. To put that in perspective, approving this amount of a levy would require property owners with a $100,000 home to contribute $1 a day.

The next steps in the project will be to review properties that need to be acquired, which the Council plans to do at its June 2 meeting. Phase II encompasses a dozen properties and only two have been appraised so far. Benton is authorized to make offers to property owners for Phase II temporary and permanent easements.

A resolution to approve an updated USDA letter of conditions of financing for Phase II and project completion was tabled. Benton said he will continue to search for additional financing options.

Ultimately, the Council voted to move ahead with the floodplain project with Dennis Bazata, Brandon Backhaus and Kalinda Kuhl voting for, and Janelle Biernbaum voting against.

At the special meeting last week, Council members also:

• Voted to return the non-emergency siren schedule back to its previous schedule of 7 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• Heard an update from Park Board President Julie Kint on fundraising for the new aquatic center with ideas including a farmer’s market, disc golf tournament, barbecue, Dueling Pianos event or a revival of the city’s Honey Fest.

• Went into executive session to discuss personnel and legal strategy. After executive session, Benton was authorized to offer John Dickes the public works supervisor position at $18 per hour. Dickes’ promotion will leave a vacancy for a utility employee which will be advertised at $15 per hour.

• Heard an update on a demolish order on a metal structure at 202 W. Broadway St. An affidavit has been made for a warrant for internal inspection at that address.

• Denied Roger Young’s request for underground electrical conduit service. Biernbaum said she fears it would set a precedent.

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