• Central Square Executive Director provides answers to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’

It was announced in May of this year that Central Square had secured a $4 million portion of the state bonding bill with the funds to be used for repairing and restoring the iconic building in Glenwood.  

The process to be included in the state funding was extensive and required support from Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, Sen. Torrey Westrom and commitment from Central Square staff and board members as well as many community members.   

Rep. Anderson was instrumental in bringing the Minnesota House Bonding Committee to tour Central Square and hear formal presentations by Minnewaska Area Schools Superintendent Chip Rankin and Central Square Board member Larry Zavadil.  Cheryl Larson, now former executive director of Central Square, also initiated the request for state funding.  She and her staff provided the legislative committee with surveys, assessments applications, architectural drafts, public testimony and even wrote a bond booklet in an effort to secure the funding.

Since being funded in the bill, a number of questions have been circulating in the community, so Marie Chan, executive director of Central Square, provided answers to some of the of the more common questions about the state money and the Central Square repair work.  Despite being funded, the state does not send a single check for $4 million, but provides the funds as approved expenditures have been made.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)–State Bond Money for Building Repairs

 Q1: What is the source of funding for building repairs at Central Square?

A1: The funding for building repairs at Central Square primarily comes from state bond money allocated for this purpose. This funding is specifically designated for infrastructure and building improvement projects.

 Q2: Can we use the state bond money for art programming or operational costs at Central Square?

A2: No, the state bond money is strictly earmarked for building repairs and infrastructure improvements only. It cannot be used for art programming, operational costs, or any other purposes unrelated to building repair and restoration.

 Q3: How does the funding process work? Do we receive a $4 million check directly?

A3: No, we do not receive a $4 million check directly. The funding process involves submitting invoices through our fiscal agent, the Minnewaska Area School District. After we submit the invoices, the school district then forwards them to the state. The state’s agent reviews and approves the invoices and pays the vendor invoices directly.

 Q4: Is there any flexibility in how we can use the state bond money for building repairs?

A4: The use of state bond money is strictly regulated by the state. These regulations are in place to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose, which is building repairs and infrastructure improvements. Therefore, there is no flexibility in diverting these funds for other purposes.

Q5: Can you provide more details on how the state regulates the use of this funding?

A5: The state has specific guidelines and regulations in place to govern the use of bond money for building repairs. These guidelines ensure that the funds are spent on approved repair projects submitted in the application process and are not misused for unrelated expenses. We are required to adhere to these regulations to maintain compliance with state funding requirements.

Q6: How can I stay informed about the use of state bond money for building repairs at Central Square?

A7: We will regularly update our stakeholders on the progress of the repair projects funded by state bond money. You can also reach out to our administration for any specific inquiries or updates related to this funding source.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or need additional information regarding the use of state bond money for building repairs at Central Square. We appreciate your support and understanding of the regulations governing these funds.