BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGDALE -- Over the objections of a former councilwoman and two current members, city council changed gears Wednesday in its bid to expand this area's community center, throwing out a $12.4 million plan in favor of a costlier option with slightly more amenities.
The new plan, Option 1, carries a $13.8 million price tag and increases the addition to three stories, rather than two, and increases available space by 2,150 square feet.
It offers a double gym, bringing the total of gyms to three, and features a 1 - 12th mile walking-running track, along with three more meeting rooms, a dance room and an enlarged exercise room.
Council approved the new option in a 4-2 vote, with one member absent, despite former Councilwoman Marge Boice's warnings that to do so would be "fiscally irresponsible."
Mrs. Boice, who retired Dec. 1, after 20 years on council, said she appeared Wednesday to express the objections of some older Springdale residents who would have otherwise not voiced their opinions.
"You need to do some serious thinking about your finances," she told council. "You are making this a credit-card city. . . . Springdale has been debt-free since 1985, and yes, we do have a great credit rating. So do I, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go out and buy two cars just because I can."
City planners estimate it will take 17 years to pay off the project, something Mrs. Boice said is "unconscionable."
"The economy's not always going to stay the way that it is," she said. "We may have to raise (the) earning tax . . . but if the budget gets strangled and you have overspent, that has to be considered," she added.
Councilwomen Kathy McNear and Marge Pollitt also opposed the change to Option 1.
Mrs. Pollitt has been steadfast in her support of Option 4, the least expensive plan at $10.1 million, while Mrs. McNear said council should go back and look at the city's needs vs. its wants.
"These are tough decisions," Mrs. McNear said. "I don't think we can do this without going into debt . . . but I think we have more work to do. I still think we need another gym, and I know everything costs more if you wait. But how much more will this cost if we don't do this right?" she asked.
Councilwoman Peggy Manis, who has consistently favored Option 1, said council has spent a significant amount of time deciding what is needed.
"I've made my decision and I'm ready to stick to this," she said. "It's worse if you go into debt for something that you know doesn't meet your needs and you know might have to expand again sooner."
She said a community center complete with various options will, in the long run, benefit every Springdale resident.
Mayor Doyle Webster, who favors Option 4, said he thinks options 1 and 3 are wrong for the city.
"I don't believe Springdale needs three gyms," he said, adding that the issue is still far from over.
