NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – For over 40 years, the Negaunee Ice Arena has been providing a safe, well-lit, and comfortable place to skate and play hockey, but this West End institution is in danger of closing.
“If the bond proposal doesn’t pass, there is a super high likelihood, and I’m saying about 90% that the ice arena will not open next year or next season, because we will not have the capability of producing ice for people to skate on,” said Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron.
To repair the arena, on May 5, the city of Negaunee will be asking voters to approve a funding plan that would borrow up to $1.25 million, financed for up to 20 years. The estimated cost to taxpayers would be .49 Mils, or roughly $35 a year on a $75,000 home.
“Remember, the 1.25 million is just a cap. That doesn’t mean we need to borrow all that. So if we see some grants coming in, we could ask for less,” reminded Heffron.
The money will be used to replace the failing chiller unit, the machine that actually makes the ice. This will be the bulk of phase one; if the voters okay the measure, other critical repairs and upgrades will be made at a later time.
“We’re trying to combine all the resources we have into one project so we can capitalize on the best prices we possibly can and fix the majority of the issues that exist here with the Ice Arena,” said Heffron.
Heffron pointed out that raising taxes is the absolute last resort. We try to exhaust every possible funding source that is out there before we come to the voters,” said Heffron.
The Negaunee Ice Arena is one of only three indoor rinks in the county, and the only one serving the West End. Heffron hopes the voters will see the value in this unique facility. If the measure passes, work could begin this summer.
