City proposes a solution for Galimore

Historic City News watched as Commissioners Monday night called on the County Commission to support a funding plan for the Galimore Center and pool that involves the use of a Community Redevelopment Agency.

Before jumping to accept a county offer of $400,000 to discontinue its management of the Galimore Center and pool, the City Commission focused on creation of the Community Redevelopment Agency as a way to generate future revenue to support the pool’s operation.

Under the Community Redevelopment Agency strategy, the City’s reinvestment of funds into the facilities could translate into higher property values within the area as well as increased property taxes. The increase in property taxes in future years, above the base taxes in the current year, would be paid back to the Community Redevelopment Agency.

But, before acting on the $400,000 offer, the City wants assurance from the county that they will support the idea. The county is also looking for every possible new revenue source and might not be willing to forego the increased tax revenue — if the Community Redevelopment Agency is successful.

County support would not include a financial burden, officials said.

City Attorney Ron Brown said the interlocal agreement that provides county management of active parks in the city, including Galimore, Pomar, and the tennis courts at Francis Field, ends in March 2012.

“Either party can terminate the agreement effective the last day of September of any year of the term,” Brown said, “if that party serves written notice of the intent to terminate by June 1 preceding the date of termination.”

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer