Committee appropriates $200,000 in occupancy tax for Civic Center chiller design

Warren County's Finance & Budget Committee voted April 2 to appropriate $200,000 of occupancy-tax revenue to fund the design phase to replace the ice chiller plant and mechanical room at the Civic Center.

Committee members heard staff explain the appropriation is intended to produce the design and cost estimates needed to pursue larger grants and construction funding. County staff told the committee the city of Glens Falls has committed $200,000 alongside the county contribution; having design and cost estimates improves the likelihood of securing additional grant dollars.

Supervisors asked whether the Civic Center or its coalition had a separate capital reserve; staff said there was no indication in the Civic Center's budget that a capital improvement fund was set aside. The county already provides annual capital support (noted at $100,000) and operational support; the committee said the $200,000 appropriation is intended to augment those existing supports for the current-year design work.

The motion to appropriate $200,000 from occupancy-tax revenue carried by voice vote. Staff will proceed with design procurement and return with further budget details and any future requests for construction funding or matching commitments.