Mahaska County Board of Supervisors were presented with several varying ideas on how the renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax could benefit the area during a public input meeting Thursday evening.
The two most popular projects however remain a $24 million new YMCA building that would feature early childhood education and an Environmental Learning Center that would highlight Mahaska County’s conservation efforts.
Those in support of the recreation and educational advantages a modern YMCA facility would provide spoke to the supervisors saying that it would strengthen the community while brining more families into the city.
“I think to have this social place that promotes recreation, a place to go with your friends to work out, play basketball, swim or do all of those things is extremely important,” said Mark Willett. “[The YMCA] is a great place where I can take my kids and know they are going to be safe.”
As the general manager of Clow Valve Willett says he believes a top of the line facility would appeal to families especially those with young children.
“We need recreation and education opportunities,” he said. “I have two energetic boys and those were the first places my wife and I check when moving [here].”
Even Mahaska County Residents who were in support of using the Local Option Sales Tax to get the Environmental Learning Center off the ground expressed interest in providing the community with both recreation and education opportunities.
“I’d like you to consider utilizing this money for the conservation center,” said Mark De Jong, mayor of Lake Keomah Village. “I’m a huge fan of the Environmental Learning Center. All of these [projects] are about finding a way to make our children better, that’s what I think these are all about is developing our children.”
De Jong explained that for several years he has taken his daughter to Mahaska County Conservation Youth Outdoor Field Day. With each year’s event her skills have grown and during last month’s Field Day she was on the other side demonstrating activities to area youngsters.
“There are a lot of great projects out there, so obviously we need the Local Option Sales Tax,” he added before taking his seat.
Before ending the meeting Supervisor Mark Vander Molen explained to the large group present that the board is unable to go forward with the tax until it receives a petition from half of the county.
Story provided by Danielle Lunsford
