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Lett ers from Our R eaders
Last week a report from the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts was circulating and creating quite a buzz around town, and rightfully so.
The content of the report shows there are a number of items concerning the relocation/renovation and purchase of the Skylon Ballroom that are very irregular and troubling.
A majority of the residents of Hartington were not in favor of moving the old Skylon as was first presented to the community, yet I believe many would have been in favor of a new structure that could have been designed to better serve more of the community’s needs. At this time, it was said, that plan would be too much money.
The City Council decided that for $1.05, a turn-key deal with the owner of the Skylon, Roger Wortmann, was the way to go. The city entered into an agreement to purchase the Skylon when all contingencies were met. When the city took possession of the “dance hall” not all of these contingencies had been met.
As quoted from page three of the report, “The APA (auditor) obtained from the city’s accounting system, a listing of all the payments made in relation to the Skylon building were “to be completed by and at the expense of the seller.” However, the APA noted the city appears to have expended nearly $1,000,000 of its own funds specifically for the building’s renovation.”
It’s often said. “There are two sides to everything.” I think the City Council’s side of this should be explained in a public setting. Preferably some place that has enough room, like a community center.
Most importantly, I’m concerned of the distrust of the city government and the division among residents.
Hartington is a small community and in order for it to prosper to the fullest, conduct that divides us damages that sense of community and threatens that prosperity.
— Rich Pedersen, Hartington
