The Columbus City Council voted unanimously Thursday to contribute $275,000 toward a city drainage project which will be matched by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
City Federal Programs and Building Inspections Director George Irby was also given permission by the council to submit a letter to the Corps of Engineers stating what the city intends to do with the Section 592 environmental assistance funds and the amount of match money being put forth.
The funds are intended to cover a drainage ditch running from Propst Park to Seventh Avenue.
Irby suggested to the board Thursday the funds be drawn from the city”s home improvement/economic development account, but he estimates the city will have two to four months to decide how to raise the funds.
“(The council) voted I could submit the necessary paperwork, but they haven”t determined where they”re going to get (the money) from,” said Irby.
Columbus Chief Financial Officer Mike Bernsen expressed concerns about spending the home improvement money. He presented the council with several alternative loan options, but said those options were even less attractive.
“I don”t suggest (a loan), but it”s available,” said Bernsen.
Other options include drawing from general funds or bonds.
Ward 6 Concilman Bill Gavin expressed concern about how the matching funds would be supplied if the Corps of Engineers approved the grant.
“That”s a valid concern. There”s nothing budgeted (for the project),” replied Bernsen.
Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box said the city would find a way to provide the funds.
“We”re not broke and we do have money to fund this out of cash accounts,” said Box.
“Push come to shove, we”ll get it from economic development,” said Mayor Robert Smith.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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