Board seeks clarity on $11M recreation complex funding and grant stipulations

The Regular Selectboard Meeting held on February 25, 2025, in Skowhegan, Maine, focused primarily on the financial implications and progress of the town's recreational complex project. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the funding sources for the project, which includes a $1.9 million allocation from the sale of Memorial Field and a $200,000 grant from New Balance. Selectboard members expressed concerns about whether these funds were already earmarked and accounted for, and whether the total cost of the baseball field would exceed $2.5 million.

One board member raised three critical questions regarding the grant application, emphasizing the need for clarity on the project's scope and the stipulations tied to the funding. The member highlighted that any changes to the project would require permission from the grantors, and that reimbursement would only occur after project completion, not as an upfront payment. This raised concerns about the potential for financial mismanagement if the project scope were altered without proper authorization.

The discussion then shifted to the breakdown of costs associated with the project phases. It was revealed that the current estimated cost to complete the baseball field stands at approximately $2.67 million, with additional costs projected for a multipurpose field and tennis courts, bringing the total project cost to around $11 million. Board members expressed apprehension about the financial burden this would place on taxpayers, suggesting that any significant expenditures should be put to a public vote.

Concerns were also raised about the town's ability to fund the project without incurring debt, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the timing and amount of grant reimbursements. One member cautioned against authorizing further spending without a clear understanding of the town's financial position, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing the project's budget.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather more detailed information regarding the grant stipulations and funding sources before proceeding with any further financial commitments. The Selectboard plans to address these issues in the next meeting, aiming to ensure that all members are informed and aligned on the project's financial strategy moving forward.