Claremore Daily Progress

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February 9, 2010

Ball in RCIDA’s court

Courthouse project moving forward

Joy Hampton

Claremore — The Courthouse Project funding ball is now in the figurative court of the Rogers County Industrial Development Authority.

Monday, the Board of County Commissioners voted to request that RCIDA agree to amend or terminate the ongoing contract with the county so that use tax funds can be used as a pledge toward bonds.

Commissioners formally asked RCIDA to terminate or amend the ongoing contract in effect now through June 30. That change would need to be in place starting Feb. 28. Representatives of RCIDA said a special Board meeting would be set to consider the matter. RCIDA has pledged its cooperation to the Courthouse Project.

The courthouse committee made several recommendations to county commissioners including to use RCIDA as the authority for the bond, to amend the contract with RCIDA in order to pledge the use tax toward the courthouse project, and to hire a construction manager at-risk rather than a general contractor.

Commissioners voted to terminate the annual contract with RCIDA effective June 30, 2010 in order to pledge that money toward the bond. Pledging the money does not mean it will be used to pay the bond, only that it will serve as security in order to obtain a lower interest rate. County commissioners said they have no intention of eliminating RCIDA and will continue to fund it through appropriations.

“I know we need to get moving on this,” said Commissioner Kirt Thacker.

Commissioners also voted to use RCIDA as the flow-through authority for the bonds. RCIDA’s experience with school bonds and proven track record will help the county get a lower interest rate. Appointing a new authority would unduly delay the process, it was decided.

The commissioners also voted to designate the county use tax toward the courthouse project.

“We need $400,000,” said Thacker. “The discussion was general government would do $200.000 and RCIDA would do $200,000.”

“I don’t know if we have $200,000 to give right now,” said Commissioner Dan DeLozier.

“The citizens were asked to vote for one-sixth of a cent,” said Commissioner Mike Helm. “Now we’re asking for more?”

DeLozier said the discussion had always been that the continued sales tax would not fully fund the project.

Judge Sheila Condren, co-chair of the courthouse committee, said “The Jail paid off six years early.”

“Using the most conservative figures (the bond) is for 30 years, but realistically, it probably will not be that long,” said Condren.

She also said it was public knowledge that other funds would have to work with the one-sixth of a cent tax.

“In order to get a better rate of interest we need to pledge that money... so that it could be used not that it would be used,” said Thacker.

Thacker made a motion to ask RCIDA to release the contractual obligation as recommended by District Attorney Gene Haynes.

“We’re not here to get rid of RCIDA,” said DeLozier.

Commissioners said RCIDA will continue to receive funding.

Helm expressed concern that RCIDA be able to meet all of its current financial obligations.

“We have to do what’s in the best interst of the county,” said Thacker.

Part of the county’s commitment toward the Courthouse Project may come from cigarette and tobacco taxes which are currently being deposited into general fund and tracked.

In other business, commissioners tabled pipe and drape bids for Rogers County Fair Board. Annual publication of Rogers County employees paid in 2009 was also tabled for further study by the District Attorney when questions arose concerning the publication bidding process.

Commissioners approved the reimbursement from Aaron Shaw for restitution for sign damage of $186 into District 1’s one-cent account.

Note: Attorney Larry Steidley and Judge Dwayne Steidley are cousins, not father and son, as erroneously reported in Sunday’s Progress.







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