Youth group would deed property over to save on insurance
If all goes according to plan, a youth center could open in coming months in Marion.
Marion City Council gave the initial nod Monday evening to the city officially owning the youth center building and paying for its insurance expense.
Marion Youth Advancement Committee is in negotiations with Jim and Alice Richmond for a building at 331 E. Main, Marion.
The building formerly was occupied by teen hangout in the 1960 and 1970s, when Burger Shake occupied the space. Most recently, Tom and Audrey McLinden rent the building for the businesses, Custom Threads and Powder Keg.
Insurance would be “nearly impossible to afford” if a private group owned the building, development director and committee member Doug Kjellin said.
If the city owned the property, the building could be covered by the city’s insurance.
Insurance estimates under the city’s umbrella coverage might cost between $250 and $400 a year.
MYAC has sponsored fund-raisers. With matching money from Marion Advancement Campaign and support from other organizations, Kjellin said, the group could pay cash for the building.
Moderate remodeling, including a food bar, be paid for by MYAC. Those costs are estimated at $10,000. The group also would pay operating expenses.
The city would have to pay for 2008 taxes of $1,219.
Laptop computers for planned study room could be purchased as part of an after-school program.
A lease would be drawn to spell out conditions of the deal, including what would happen to the building should a youth center not be supported.
An inspection would follow to make sure the building didn’t have any major faults.
Councilman Steven Smith said he supported the project but wanted to make sure the building was sound. He also asked whether there would be room for an office for Marion Chamber of Commerce, should planned renovation go forward. The chamber office is in the auditorium renovation area.
Kjellin responded there wasn’t enough room for an office.
The council will review a contract and lease at its next meeting, Aug. 10.