(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, discussed during a Special Meeting, a possible lease for the Willow Heights facility, and, Support for Vision Atlantic. Board Chair Steve Baier thanked all parties interested in the future of the Willow Heights building, for their civility.

Supervisors Bernard Pettinger and Mark O’Brien along with the County’s Attorney have been working on the language for the lease agreement with a potential tenant – who has not yet been disclosed – who has expressed interest in the facility. That includes who is responsible for security and maintenance. The language is still being tweaked, but it’s hoped to have the final version ready by next week, the agreement signed and the building possibly occupied by next month, but that’s not a certainty at this point.

No further action was taken. Additional discussion is expected by the time the next Supervisor’s meeting rolls around on Oct. 7^th. The Willow Heights facility land was sold in 2023, but the building on the grounds, which previously served people who have a mental or intellectual disability, substance abuse or other disabling condition, was closed nearly two-years earlier, due to federal and State requirements. Later discussion included proposals for the building to be renovated for Senior, low income, veterans’ housing. Despite those talks, the building remains unsold.

With regard to Vision Atlantic, a request for support was previously discussed during the Board’s regular meeting in May, following a request from Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman. Board Chair Steve Baier said the idea is to get a plan in-place over a five-year period.

Supervisor Wendy Richter concurred the request is feasible, and proposed a contribution for that time-frame that would not increase residents’ taxes.

The Board approved $2.5-million dollars spread over 5-years at $500,000 per year. A formal resolution to that effect designating the funds for economic development, specifically with regard to child care, will be created and made available for the next meeting. Supervisor Mark O’Brien…

This past June, the Supervisors approved the earmarking of $150,000 from the County’s share of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for Vision Atlantic, specifically focusing on the child care center aspect of the project. Vision Atlantic has a fundraising goal of $39 million, which will be used to construct the YMCA expansion and child development center. To date, they have raised $26 million of that goal, thanks to an $8.6 million lead grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and significant support from local donors. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $13 million needed to meet their fundraising goal.

In other business, NishnaNet owner Scott Bennett approached the Board about the use of a live-feed TV camera view of the downtown area, to promote Atlantic, especially now that the holiday season is approaching. The camera feed would promote Cass County Tourism and/or the Cass-Atlantic Development Corporatation (CADCO), but no commercial businesses.

The Board gave their blessing to the proposal.