Additional funding for the Camp Jack remodel was on the agenda Thursday night at the City Council meeting.
According to COO / City Engineer Wade Phillips, there is currently a shortfall of $21,367.19 over the federal funding that was awarded for the remodel project.
“They are also requesting an additional $26,124 for more lighting in the drill hall, which would make the amount over budget by approximately $47,500 or just over 2% of the federal grant amount,” he said.
Phillips explained that there had been five total change orders over the course of construction. The first change order deducted approximately $18,400 from the contract to help keep the project as close to budget as possible. Four subsequent change orders included cost increases that resulted in the current shortfall. The largest of the four changes was to provide extra structural support for new openings in the building's existing stone walls. Other changes included additional data ports and changes to emergency lighting and HVAC controls.
Councilman Mitch Magness asked, “And we have not collected anything on the $2 million from HUD yet. Correct?”
CFO Luke Feighert said, “That’s correct. The Feds awarded the $2.28 million grant as a reimbursable grant, where the City has to pay out on the project before we can request to be paid back. We are currently in the process of getting those pushed through the HUD system, although there is a lot of red tape to navigate around. My contact said we should receive funding in the next 90 days.”
Feighert further explained some of the City funds that have been used on the project in addition to the federal grant. The City has spent $312,000 on a new roof for the building, along with additional costs for early environmental review steps such as asbestos testing and a Phase I environmental site assessment. “We’ve also lost almost $20,000 in interest while waiting for reimbursement.”
Councilman Magness added, “We are not against veterans. But we are responsible for making sure this money is spent correctly. We are accountable to the taxpayers and the value they are getting for this investment.”
The City’s attorney, Nancy Cartwright, said, “We’ve chosen to grant a lease to Camp Jack for far less than fair market value. When the city deals with nonprofits, we have to be ready to identify to the community that the taxpayers are receiving services that benefit the citizens. This applies to all nonprofits. For example, in the past, the city granted a lease to the House of Hope for 30 years for $1.00. The council has the right to ask, ‘What are we expecting to receive from this nonprofit partner?’”
The Federal Government awarded $2.28 million for the project in 2022, and then the architect's plans were drawn up. Everyone agrees that construction costs did rise in the two years before renovation could begin.
Mayor Jackson said, “The City of Harrison has shown strong and consistent support for our veteran community, including Camp Jack. Nearly four years ago, we were proud to provide them with a wonderful facility with the understanding that they would be responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and improvements. While we appreciate the mission of Camp Jack and the work they’ve done, any additional financial support must follow state law and ensure equitable access to a public asset.”
A lengthy discussion took place about the additional lighting that Camp Jack has requested in the drill hall. Camp Jack representatives are concerned that the lighting is not bright enough for certain activities such as bingo or meetings that might require a higher level of light. The light fixtures selected by the architect are intended to match the historical character of the old armory while providing sufficient lighting for award ceremonies, banquets, or other types of events common in large halls.
The council members asked what the next step should be. Several suggested they want to see the facility and table the decision until the May 22 meeting.
Phillips agreed to make arrangements for council members to view the building individually so that they can see the improvements completed to date and have a better understanding of the lighting levels in the drill hall.
Representing Camp Jack, Bob Largent told the council that they had plans to raise additional funds to cover the shortage and finish other improvements that the $2.28 million would not cover.
Mayor Jackson added, “We remain committed to supporting our veterans within the framework of what is legally and fiscally responsible.”