Community invited to free public skate to learn more about referendum

The City of Albert Lea invites the community to learn more about the upcoming referendum on $9.8 million in funding for recreational facilities at a free public skate Thursday, March 7, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive.

The event, sponsored by Waldorf University, will also include presentations about the proposed projects followed by arena tours at 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. While Waldorf University is based in Forest City, Iowa, its hockey program holds games and practices at the Albert Lea arena.

Albert Lea voters will decide in a referendum on April 9 whether to authorize the city borrowing up to $9.8 million for the betterment of the City Arena, Aquatic Center (321 James Ave.) and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center (147 N. Broadway Ave.), along with building public restrooms near the Splash Pad downtown (107 Fountain St.).

The proposed projects total $12.25 million, with federal funding of $2.45 million available for energy-savings projects at the arena, which would lower the local property tax impact to $9.8 million or less. The cost to individual taxpayers would depend on their property values. For a home valued at $100,000, the additional cost would be $47.50 per year or less than $4 per month.

Most of the proposed projects replace equipment that is starting to fail, including the refrigeration system at the arena and water-heating systems at the pool. The theater projects include replacing the front doors to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

The proposal has received widespread support so far, including:

• Endorsements from the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• $250,000 from the Albert Lea Hockey Association and a pledge of a future donation toward expanding the arena lobby from the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club.
• $25,000 toward replacing the exterior digital sign at the theater from Albert Lea Community Theatre.

While Albert Lea polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on April 9, absentee voting is already underway. For more information about voting, proposed projects and upcoming events, please visit the city website at https://cityofalbertlea.org/recinvest/.

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The mission of the City of Albert Lea is to deliver exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.