GREENVILLE — Greenville City Council’s Finance Committee will recommend the city offer $100,000 towards the construction of the Marling Band Shell in Greenville City Park.
Council Members Tracy Tryon, John Hensley and Doug Schmidt convened the Finance Committee Tuesday morning to discuss the matter. A number of city administration members were also in attendance.
Thus far, the project has approximately $333,000 on hand, but nonetheless leaving it with a shortfall. The band shell must be completed by October 31 or risk losing a $150,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The committee was confronted with an additional expenditure to consider — a security gate for the band shell, projected to cost $22,400.
In all, the band shell project needs at least $95,000 for completion. Safety/Service Director Curt Garrison said, with contingencies, it would be best to round up to an even $100,000.
“You just don’t know what might come up through the construction process,” he said. “If you want to go with the first option, you might as well call it $100,000.”
If the project were to proceed without the construction of three bathrooms, the additional cost would be approximately $25,000 instead of $100,000. However, council has largely supported the inclusion of bathrooms in the plan, noting their usefulness for other park events.
City Auditor Roxanne Willman said the city has about $137,000 available, money from which could be put toward the project, and will have the same amount available in the second half of the year.
Tryon recommended the committee in its report ask council to approve the expenditure, and that by doing so, could prompt businesses and individuals to continue donating to the project.
“I think the city needs to be vested in this,” he said. “Once the city gets behind it, it will help others know, security wise, that this is going to be completed.”
Hensley said, “We have the funds, so I don’t see any reason not to go with the restrooms. Schmidt agreed, saying, “I’m all for this. I think it needs to happen.”
Legislation to approve the expenditure will be considered when Greenville City Council next meets June 6.
