Q: Tuesday evening you and several others met with the Public Building Commission (PBC) in that group’s initial gathering. Who were the individuals present at the meeting and what were their various roles?
A: City Attorney (Gordon Stull), City Staff, and PBC members Judy Kirk, Erica Goodman, Debbie Goering, and Greg Waters. This group will be the board members to make up the Public Building Commission. Greg Waters was elected President, Erica Goodman Vice President, and Marvin George (who could not be there) Secretary.
Q: Though the formation of the PBC has been covered previously in The Signal, could you recap the purpose of this group?
A: The Public Building Commission is a State statutory method for communities to use as a financial development mechanism. It’s useful for cities having bond/debt limitations that prevent them from taking on additional debt for projects. However, cities or other public entities have revenue-producing areas that can fund projects. The PBC is a passage through which all public projects can have a chance to get built. The PBC can fund the construction of projects and the public entity can offset the debt service through the revenue subsequently produced by the project’s operation. It simply gives a city or any public entity more flexibility.
Q: What would be the first two or three projects you would anticipate this group’s activity helping to bring about?
A: This board (PBC) was developed primarily to assist with the (rebuilding of the) Big Well (tourist attraction/museum). However, it could also assist us with (the building of) a new airport, swimming pool, or other (similar) projects down the line. The Big Well is a perfect fit. The sales tax approved and dedicated to the Big Well operations and maintenance can fund the gap for rebuilding a new facility. As a City, by statute, our debt (load) is maxed out since the storm. However, the PBC can fund the project and a portion of the sales tax can fund the PBC debt service.
Q: How common is a PBC in towns the size of Greensburg and why is its formation appropriate to this town’s needs at this time?
A: PBC's are very common all over Kansas. They are very helpful to small towns. We don't have a large valuation since we are a small town. Yet, we have funding in place to be progressive. The legislature recognized this so that communities like ours can continue our efforts. I know Pratt and Barber Counties are utilizing this method. I think it’s another way that Greensburg has found to help itself recover and not raise taxes to do so. Also, the County, Hospital, and/or School could utilize this PBC if they would ever have the need.
Q: What specifically was covered at Tuesday night’s meeting?
A: This was the first meeting of many. The bylaws were adopted and officers elected. The next step will be financing a project. The City will meet with Bond Council regarding what it can afford and begin the process of working with the PBC. Once the process and final number is determined the architects can begin new renderings and design options (of the Big Well project) for Council to approve. Though this process will take some time, the funding can allow the facility to get built.
Greensburg, KS —
