Friends of the Civic Center Prepare for Upcoming Election

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, July 10, 2008 - The Friends of the Civic Center have begun posting signs urging voters to support renewal of the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center millage in the upcoming August 05, 2008 primary election.

The ballot proposal is to renew the previous one mill for operations of the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center for a period of four years from 2009 through 2012 inclusive. The one mill tax will generate approximately $77,000 per year for the Center. According to those involved in the Center's operations, the millage is necessary to keep the Center operational.

The Civic Center board has been working closely with the Center's new manager, Jim Sain, to create new ways for the Center to generate income. The City Manager has repeatedly rejected a plan to move the proposed skatepark to the Center, even on a temporary basis, until the outdoor park was completed.

Should the millage fail, the Civic Center will, more than likely close. The building is on Gogebic Community College property, and the College may opt, according an agreement with the City, to force the City to raze the building. Razing the structure would cost the City thousands of dollars. The College, more than likely, would choose to use the building for storage of ski equipment, etc., however.