Since its formation only a few years ago, the John H. Criss Trust, a $5.7 million endowment left to Sac City by the late businessman and lifelong resident the trust is named after, is responsible for dozens of beautification projects and improvements in town. From the construction of a shelter house in South Park to new street signs, the trust’s impact can be seen throughout the community. However, some of these added amenities come with an increase to maintenance costs, and the Sac City Council is requesting help from the Criss Board of Trustees to cover some of those expenses. Administrator, Jamie Lawrence, says this issue was discussed at length during the council meeting last Tuesday.
Lawrence adds the council does not want to put a larger burden or a tax base that has already been stretched thin. The Criss Trust was created with the caveat that it could not be used to pay for regular city expenses, such as salaries, fixing potholes or debt service, and Lawrence says that is not what the council is requesting. Rather, they are looking at only the projects that have resulted in substantial upkeep requirements or ones with a limited lifespan. He uses the new shelter house as an example.
The council and the board of trustees, which consists of Mayor, Scott Bundt, Renae Jacobsen and Dewey Reece, were unable to reach an agreement at Tuesday’s meeting. According to Lawrence, several council members are scheduled to meet with the Criss Trust representatives to continue working on a solution that is amenable to both parties.
