Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The idea for a second gym funded by voluntary donations was brilliant. It would be the generosity of donors, who shared the vision of creating another gym, which would provide the resources for the project.
One possible path forward would have been to privately fund, design and construct a stand-alone building which could be leased to the school and used by other groups. All the time, money and energy supplied to its creation would be voluntary.
The path we find ourselves on is different. Attaching an additional gym to the school shifts the ongoing operational and maintenance costs to taxpayers, who do not contribute voluntarily. A switch to a PVC fabric clad building, as described in a recent Transcript article, would further increase future taxpayer spending obligations when exterior replacement becomes necessary.
So, the proposed burden to non-voluntary contributors is increasing, but there has been no corresponding increase in the opportunity for community input. This disconnect occured to me when someone recently lamented that there haven't been any community meetings or brainstorm sessions. Such input could possibly help prioritize design features and enhance support for the project.
Some remain unconvinced of the need for a second gym and want no part of bearing the costs of operation and future maintenance. They point out that a second gym already exists within our district – that being the gym in Sheyenne.
It is likely that NR-S could obtain very favorable lease terms and that the Sheyenne community would love to see a town landmark back in use. Any patrons from Sheyenne and beyond would potentially save 20 miles of driving for every practice held in Sheyenne. The best part is that the space is available now because it already exists!
The best path forward is subjective, and opinions differ. Hopefully each potential path forward will be diligently considered, keeping in mind whose money is being spent, and whether it was contributed voluntarily.
Preston Meier
New Rockford
