Совет деревни Монт-Хорб одобрил поэтапное строительство спортивного комплекса, но не определил сумму муниципальных вложений

Mount Horeb recreation complex moves forward as board weighs how village will pay its share MOUNT HOREB, Wis. (WMTV) - Mount Horeb’s proposed recreation complex took another step forward Wednesday night, but Village Board members stopped short of committing a specific amount of village money to the project. The complex is planned for part of the larger Lukken property and would add space for youth sports and other recreation. The village purchased the property about two years ago and is separately pursuing residential development on another portion of the land. After a lengthy discussion over costs, potential funding sources and the timing of construction, the board approved a phased approach for developing the complex. It also approved a separate professional fundraising agreement aimed at bringing private money into the project. A firm total price tag has not yet been set. The fundraising agreement initially referenced a roughly $12.5 million project, but the board removed that figure Wednesday after village staff said the total cost is still unknown. What the board approved Although the agenda item before the board was labeled as consideration of the recreation complex’s “cost and phasing plan,” the motion ultimately approved only the phasing approach. The distinction came after board members spent much of the discussion expressing support for the recreation complex itself while questioning how much taxpayers should ultimately be asked to contribute. The separate housing development also factored into that discussion. Board members said proceeds from the eventual sale of residential land and development-related park fees could potentially help pay for the recreation complex, but those numbers are not yet finalized. “It’s hard to commit to a certain percentage as a village board member, not knowing where the funds are going to come from,” one board member said, adding that they were “100% for a sports park” and “100% for fundraising,” but that financial responsibility was also important. Other possible funding sources discussed Wednesday included private donations, grants, debt and tax incremental financing. Residents weigh in Despite the questions over funding, much of the public comment Wednesday night was supportive of moving the project forward. Nicole Kidd, who spoke on behalf of youth baseball, told the board local teams are already struggling to find enough field space. “We’re actually playing baseball games at the Red Mouse because we just don’t have room for home games,” Kidd said. “We have weather cancellations. We have to go play at the opponent’s field because we can’t get back on our own fields.” Another resident described the proposal as a long-term investment in the village. “This isn’t getting ahead, this is catching up,” she said, urging board members to consider how the project could affect Mount Horeb “for 50, 75, 100 years to come.” Amy Mertz also argued Mount Horeb risks losing families if its recreational facilities do not keep pace with the community. “This recreational complex is not a luxury to me. It’s a necessity for current needs and future growth,” Mertz said. “The vast majority of other Dane County communities have something more elaborate.” There was also concern about the financial burden. Resident Will Janssen said he was not speaking for or against the complex, but cautioned board members against relying on revenue that has not yet materialized. “You can hope that the new housing development will turn a profit. You can hope the fundraising for the park goes well, but those are not funding certainties,” Janssen said. What happens next Along with approving the phasing approach, the board directed staff to consider funding for the project as part of the village’s 2028-to-2032 capital planning process. Staff emphasized that does not guarantee the project will move forward on that timeline. The board separately approved an amended professional fundraising agreement with Dennis Cooley. Cooley told board members he plans to raise $6.5 million for the project and said major gifts can take about 18 months to secure. The agreement is set to begin Oct. 1. Several pieces still have to fall into place before construction, including annexation, road access, utility planning and further progress on the residential development. Village staff said nothing would go into the ground before 2028. Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app. Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.