Winneshiek County supervisors will limit their support of the Decorah Recreational Complex to in-kind investments

Winneshiek County supervisors voted unanimously on Wednesday to give in-kind support to the proposed recreational facilities complex on Pole Line Road in Decorah, but voted 3-2 against giving any cash to the project. 

The City of Decorah had asked the county for $50,000 to $100,000 in financial support for the project, citing the large number of county residents who use the City of Decorah's recreational facilities. 

Several county supervisors said they were concerned about the way the county's financial situation is affecting road repairs and bridge replacement projects.  Supervisor John Logsdon said the bridge replacements should be a high priority.  Supervisor Les Askelson agreed that "we've got some serious issues we need to address," but he argued giving money for the recreational facilities complex would be an investment "in the future of our youth."

City of Decorah officials told the supervisors that they appreciated the in-kind donation, but said the pledge of cash would send a stronger message to the organizations that might award grants for the project.

A motion by supervisor Bill Ibanez to contribute $50,000 in cash towards the project in the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years got the support of Ibanez and Les Askelson, with the other supervisors voting "no."