Ewing village officials to make offer on former school property

One day after listening to community comment about a potential purchase of Ewing School property, Village of Ewing Board of Trustees voted to offer the Summerland School District, $10,000 for all Ewing school property and contents, contingent on passage of a 1% sales tax in this November's election.

The motion was made following a short executive session and passed 4-0. Trustee Dustin Jorgensen was absent.

Summerland School Board of Education approved a sale of the Orchard School property at the same price point - $10,000 for property and content - in April.

On Sunday, the village hosted a town hall meeting to gauge support of the project. Video of the meeting is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxOh3uZyHc.

Nicole Sedlacek, economic development manager for Nebraska Public Power District, along with Holt County Economic Development Director Shelby Regan, moderated Sunday's conversation.

Community members suggested uses for the building, including daycare, community center, teen center, fitness and exercise facility, medical clinic and a manufacturing facility or business incubator.

Several audience members suggested moving the Ewing Township Library to the school.

Denis Bergstrom, a Ewing Township board member, said to "take the library off the list."

"We're not going to allow it to move. We just put too much money into the building to let the library move," Bergstrom said.

Regan outlined grant possibilites which could be used to assist with funding.

Civic and community center financing funds could cover no more than 50% of project costs.

The Community Development Assistance Act provides tax credits to businesses, corporations, insurance agencies, financial institutions and individuals making eligible cash contributions or providing services and materials to approved community betterment projects.

A Community Development Block Grant could offer between $250,000 and $400,000, with a 50% local match. Low- to moderate-income guidelines would need to be met.

Another funding option would be an increase in local sales tax.

According to Regan, the village's current one-half cent sales tax has raised more than $25,000 for the community. That sales tax measure was passed by Ewing residents in May 2020.

Village clerk Sharon Swails confirmed that in 2021, $26,614.98 was generated from the one-half cent tax.

"A full one percent could raise about $60,000," Regan said.

Those funds could be placed in the village's general fund and earmarked for renovations or costs at the school site.

A measure to increase the local sales tax will be on the November ballot.

Projected costs to keep the high school and gym building operational include:

• $34,201.08 for utilities (based on the June 2021-May 2022 monthly average;

• $600 boiler inspection, conducted annually;

• $400 for pest spraying, conducted annually; and

• $1,000 heating, ventilation and air conditioning annual maintenance.

Two expenses that will need consideration soon include a new air conditioning and heating unit for the gym. Ramold estimated that cost to run between $75,000 and $80,000.

The roof on the high school and gym was redone in 2015. The cost of the project ran $48,500. The roof will need to be redone within three to five years, with a projected cost running $70,000 to $75,000.

The facility does not have folding chairs or tables.

Cleaning and maintenance supplies will need to be purchased, with an unofficial price tag of $3,200 for basics.

Lawn care, snow removal and cleaning costs are currently unknown.

What to do with the elementary building was also discussed. Village Chairman James Ramold said he is waiting for a quote for asbestos removal, which he estimated to be at least $100,000.

Brownfield grant funds, through the Environmental Protection Agency, could be applied for to assist with that portion of the project.

In other business during Monday's meeting, trustees:

• approved a $2,500 payment to Miller & Associates for the comprehensive plan;

• discussed using the street sweeper, at least one time, on paved roads; and

• learned a public hearing will be held in July regarding the village's comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.