By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On May 12, the Guthrie Center City Council met in regular session. The topic generating the most discussion was the status of funding for the Little Charger Daycare Center. Bethany McCool, secretary/treasurer of the Little Chargers board explained.
“We are currently at the point where our construction loan has matured. Construction has ended, so we need to transfer that to a loan of some sort,” she said.
Guthrie County State Bank President Mike Underwood explained that the bank would like to provide such a loan but had reached that decision partially based on an understanding that the city would back it.
“I had a conversation with Kris (Arrasmith) prior to us doing a loan, with the understanding that once the project was completed, if there was a shortfall, then the city would do a loan to the daycare,” Underwood said. “So then when we emailed Kris to put that in motion, then we were told no, that wasn’t the understanding.”
“All of my notes said we would help them with like, a bridge loan,” Arrasmith said.
President of the Little Charger board Laura Robson explained that what the center now needs is an “end loan” rather than a “bridge loan.”
Underwood asked who had said the city could not provide the assistance as originally planned.
“The bond attorney and the auditor and also our financial advisor all said, ‘Not a great use of taxpayer dollars,’ ” Arrasmith said.
Mayor Mike Herbert asked if it is possible for the center to get a loan elsewhere. Underwood said it is not.
Councilmember Garold Thomas asked if it is acceptable for the city to have time to look further into what the city can legally and appropriately do to help with the center’s situation.
“If my choices are no tonight or delay it, I’ll take the delay,” Underwood said.
Other items
Discussion was held regarding the first reading of a proposed ordinance on parking of personal vehicles. Several council members voiced concerns with the wording, and the matter was tabled.
The council discussed a request from Jeff Ruhland for a zoning classification change to allow a small number of cattle on land near the REC. After discussion, the council asked that Arrasmith check with the city attorney for more information. No formal action was taken.
A public hearing was held regarding a budget amendment. No comments were received, and the amendment was approved.
Arrasmith informed the council regarding plans for citywide garage sales and citywide clean-up.
“Citywide garage sales will be Fathers’ Day weekend, June 13 and 14,” Arrasmith said. “Five dollars will get you on our map. Last year, we had really good feedback. And then, we are scheduling the citywide cleanup the following Wednesday (June 18).”
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council will be Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.