River Bend Times

Eldridge and North Scott Community School District residents voted on March 3 in a special election to help fund a new North Scott Community YMCA at South Third Avenue and East LeClaire Road.

Voters approved two measures to fund the 36,000-square-foot facility, which will be built at a cost of approximately $14 million, according to KWQC. Estimated equipment cost would be $1 million.

Unofficial results showed that 78% of North Scott voters approved using Public Education and Recreation Levy funds for ongoing capital expenses, according to KWQC. The levy needed a simple majority of 50% to pass. The levy would result in a property tax of $0.135 per $1,000 of assessed taxable valuation for residents in the school district, said the YMCA.

Additionally, 78% of Eldridge voters approved using City Urban Renewal Bonds. Bond approval needed a supermajority of 60& to pass, KWQC said. The bonds would be $0.29 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for 20 years, the YMCA said.

Construction funding of the YMCA would come from $7 million in Urban Renewal Bonds through the city of Eldridge, $7 million from SAVE (1-cent sales tax) through the school district and $1 million from Scott County YMCA fundraising.

The new YMCA’s amenities will include a six-lane competition pool, full-size basketball court, zero-depth entry pool, fitness area and walking track, the YMCA said.