Decatur commissioners approved creating a Public Facilities Authority, although the board wouldn’t become official until passing the legislature and signed off by the governor.
According to proposed legislation the new authority’s purpose is “to be that of providing buildings, facilities, equipment and services for the citizens of the city.”
“This board will have the authority to seek bond funding if we have an opportunity at [purchasing the United Methodist Children’s Home],” said Mayor Patti Garrett.
She said the PFA would likely have five members.
Garrett pointed out that unlike a general obligation bond, bonds secured by a PFA don’t require a vote and therefore funding could be achieved faster.
The United Methodist Children’s Home, located just outside city limits, announced in early January intentions of selling its entire 77 acres. Two weeks ago during her state of the city address Garrett told a large gathering of city leaders that Decatur is “in conversation” with the Home regarding the purchase of its property.
Both Garrett and John Cerniglia, the Home’s Vice President of Development, concur that there is no update on proceedings. Cerniglia said the UMCH still doesn’t have broker and the property isn’t yet officially for sale.
Decatur’s mostly interested in the property for green space and recreational uses. Garrett added that specific rec uses and any additional development would be determined by a site plan with community input.
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