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Politics & Government

Yorkville Voters Reject Rec Center Referendum

52 percent of voters oppose ballot question on whether or not the city should purchase the Rec Center.

The people of Yorkville rejected a referendum on Tuesday’s ballot on whether or not the United City of Yorkville should purchase the Rec Center.

According to unofficial voter results, 52 percent of voters in the 19 precincts in Yorkville rejected the question. Election results show 3,704 voters opposed the idea, while 3,408 voters, or 47.9 percent supported the plan.

City officials said the ballot question would provide guidance to city council members on which way to proceed with the issue.

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The question on voters’ ballots read:

“Should the United City of Yorkville purchase the Rec Center to operate as a public recreation facility through a 20- year installment purchase contract at a purchase price not to exceed $ 2.5 million with interest at a rate not to exceed 6% per year?”

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Although voters rejected the idea at the ballot box, the referendum is non-binding, meaning the city could move forward with the plan should officials feel it prudent.

The REC Center currently has 1,400 members. Over 3,000 people use the facility every month, according to city documents. These members will pay for the purchase through membership fees and other recreation revenues.

According to documents the city’s monthly payment will be approximately $18,000 per month if the city moves forward with a $2.5 million purchase. The current lease is $19,000 per month. If purchased, the city will receive income from rental facilities in the building at $4,500 per month, and will not have to pay property taxes on the facility, which are currently $5,500 per month.

Based on current projections, city officials expect the Rec Center to run a profit of between $1,000 and $3,000 per month.

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