The City of Vandalia TIF Committee has recommended the “Forging Our Future” project for TIF funding. And, now the matter will go in front of the City Council.
The Forging Our Future project is a multi-level project that would be for athletic facility improvements for the Vandalia School District. It would start with a new building across from Vandalia High School to house weight rooms and a wrestling practice facility, then would include turf for Mark Greer Field and improvements at the football facility including new lights and bleachers. And, the project would also include new tennis and pickle ball courts to replace the current ones. The total project is estimated at $5,283,206. So, the campaign is asking for 25% of that amount, or $1,320,801.50 in TIF funds. Vandalia High School Athletic Director Jason Clay explained the different parts of the project. As for a turf football field, he says many schools are making the move to turf with the big reason that it allows for so many other activities on the field.
Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Garrison explained why they were requesting TIF funds.
Dr. Garrison said she estimated the project would take 5 years to complete. If you divide out the requested TIF funds over 5 years it would come to $264,160.30 per year. City Administrator LaTisha Paslay explained to the TIF Committee they have done multi-year projects in the past, including on the Vandalia High School All-Weather Track.
The TIF Committee recommended the TIF funding of $1,320,801.50 for the project. The matter will now go to the Vandalia City Council and will be on the agenda for their meeting on Monday. The Vandalia City Council will meet Monday at 6:30 pm.
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