Athens City Council was right in its decision to loan money to Athens Parks and Recreation to meet the $314,000 bid for the new skatepark, which was placed on the table by Maiden and Jenkins Construction Company of Nelsonville.
The loan was important because it allowed council to keep the project local. Utilizing a construction company from Nelsonville was a smart move by those behind the skatepark project. By hiring Maiden and Jenkins Construction Company, officials help to stimulate the local economy.
The extra funding also will not cost the city any more money. The majority of the park's funds have been accumulated through donations from various contributors, such as Ohio University, the Tony Hawk Foundation and the O'Bleness Foundation. Advocates of the skatepark have a sound plan of repayment in place as well. director of Athens Parks and Recreation Kevin Schwartzhoff proposed several repayment options over a four-year period. The loan from the city's facilities fund allowed Schwartzhoff to accept the bid from Maiden and Jenkins right away rather than delay the project further by having to re-bid.
It is wise for council to ensure the completion of a project that has been anticipated since its inception. Council must be responsible to the public's requests.&
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