Debate continues for Sturgis senior center

Funding for a Sturgis senior center – now being called the Commission on Aging Enrichment Center – continued to be a source of debate during a board of commissioners work session Tuesday.
At the onset of discussion, county administrator Pat Yoder laid out a few scenarios regarding funding for the $2.6 million project. Concepts he offered were a one-time county appropriation from its delinquent-tax fund, bonding the project with a portion or all of the debt service to be absorbed by the COA, and the county establishing annual rent to be paid by the COA.
Following about 25 minutes of discussion, commissioners decided to delve into the issue deeper during today’s executive committee meeting. They agreed to have COA director Lynn Coursey attend the session and provide additional answers to numerous questions some of the commissioners still have.
Yoder recommended the county finance the project in its entirety, saying the services provided by the facility are worthy of the county’s funding.
Excavating work started last week.