Dale Torpey (standing) speaks against a bond referendum vote for the new YMCA project at Tuesday’s special session meeting of the Washington City Council. Photo by Sally Y. Hart


A student speaks in favor of the project, saying he enjoys going to the YMCA with his friends. Photo by Sally Y. Hart.

The Washington City Council jumped in and decided to move forward with steps to go to a bond referendum for a the new $10.5 million YMCA project in Washington. With a 4-2 vote the council approved allowing a bond referendum vote not to exceed $3 million to be held this summer.

The council heard from many people who were in favor and against holding a vote. One person against it was Gerald Franzen who said he’s worried about the city’s infrastructure, like the wells, and the city’s bond capacity. He added the YMCA was already gifted the land for the project by the city. Franzen added he’s not against a new Y but he believes it shouldn’t be public money used for the project.

On the other side of the coin, Mike Murphy spoke in favor of letting citizens voice their opinions by holding a vote. He said, “I hate bond issues, but when they come to something that’s actually going to touch our community and make better programs, sometimes you have to swallow that bitter pill.” He added, “I’m not a fortune maker, and I don’t have a lot of money in my pocket. And I’ll never be rich, I’ll just be rich at heart, but the YMCA is kind of like me, we struggle with our pennies … what we’re trying to do is take these kids and mold them.”

The proposed bond referendum will be voted on August 2nd so long as the council sticks to the current timeline for legal steps to be taken in relation to the action. The YMCA will cover the costs of the special election. The two councilmen who voted against the referendum being held were Kerry Janecek and Russ Zieglowsky.

Becky Harkema, director of the YMCA of Washington County, shared she’s glad people will have a chance to voice their opinions by voting.

The council also approved a resolution setting May 10th as a date for consultation with other taxing entities including the school district and May 31st for a public hearing.

The new YMCA has received a $3.5 million grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation and has already raised $2.5 million in private donations. In addition, they’re working to get a $1.5 million Vision Iowa Grant. Should they receive the grant and the bond referendum be approved in August, they’d meet the $10.5 million mark.