The Webster City Community School Board passed a resolution Monday which allows the City of Webster City to move forward with its urban renewal area on Wall Street.

The urban renewal area will be the site of a new housing development called Wilson Estates.

Webster City’s City Manager John Harrenstein attended the meeting to address any concerns or questions from the school board members.

Harrenstein explained, “Iowa Law requires that a portion of TIF be set aside for low and moderate income individuals. It will take 15 years to recoup the financing. Iowa Law requires anything over seven years must have approval from the county and the school board.”

Both the school board and the Hamilton County supervisors needed to pass formal resolutions. The Hamilton County Supervisors approved their resolution at their last meeting, voting to approve the use of TIF dollars for a period up to 16 years.

Webster City Schools Superintendent Matt Berninghaus noted the benefits. When completed, the proposed 218-unit complex is intended to provide better housing for future area employees, an increase in student enrollment and infrastructure improvements along Wall Street and Lynx Avenue in southwest Webster City.

Berninghaus recommended approval of the resolution, even as he noted that the downside is the delayed revenue that the schools would be able to access for their use.

He continued explaining the future financial needs and possibilities for financing any renovations or rebuilding of the Webster City High School. All these factors would impact the timing of a remodeling project at the schools.

FEH Architecture is currently being consulted on potential facilities roadmaps.

In other action, an agreement between the Hamilton County Fair Board and the Webster City Community Schools was approved for the Career Agriculture Academy. This is a shared use agreement that allows the building to be used during the Hamilton County Fair.

Berninghaus said he is hopeful that the Career Academy will be ready by the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The initial agreement is for five years.