DYERSVILLE, Iowa -- While a potential site isn't yet clear, the major funding source for a new community center in the city of Dyersville gained more clarity this week.
The Dyersville City Council approved a development and property tax incentive agreement Wednesday with Big River United Energy, LLC, a deal that provides funding for the city's goal of a new community center and senior citizens meal facility.
Big River United Energy, a partnership between West Burlington, Iowa-based Big River Resources, LLC, United Cooperative, of Beaver Dam, Wis., and Rumbold & Kuhn of Wyoming, Ill., purchased the former VeraSun ethanol plant west of Dyersville in September.
Under the agreement, Big River United Energy will pay $175,000 annually to the city in lieu of paying property taxes.
The company will save about $282,000 per year in tax payments, according to a Nov. 18 letter sent to the council from Dyersville City Administrator Mick Michel.
Big River also agreed to a 20-year deal to donate $135,000 annually to the Dyersville Economic Development Corp. for community development projects.
"It's
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A community center for use by senior citizens, historical groups and other residents was the top goal listed in the Dyersville Imagine 2020 campaign.
The current senior meals center, housed next to Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, is being torn down by the church in July 2010 and will need a new home.
Dyersville Mayor Jim Heavens wants the council to hire a consulting firm to conduct a study on viable locations for the community center.
"I think it's time we hire a professional to do a study," Heavens said. "We don't even know what it's going to cost. We need to start getting that nailed down."
