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DEVELOPMENT Moving TID could cost Talent $4 million Move would open the way for expanding roundabout Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 8, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 8, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News TALENT — The relocation of the Talent Irrigation District’s downtown operation to accommodate a third leg off a roundabout about may cost as much as $4.1 million, according to a district draft estimate. The Talent Urban Renewal Agency has been in discussion for a year with TID on sale of the property to link Wagner Street to the roundabout that joins West Valley View Road and Main Street. “We haven’t really settled on where we could move to. That makes it really difficult to come up with a number,” said Bob Morris, TID board chair. Any move would need to be at no cost to irrigation district patrons, Morris said. TID unveiled the draft Tuesday at its board of directors meeting. TURA board Chair Darby Stricker and Executive Director Tom Corrigan attended the session and reported to the urban renewal board when it met Wednesday. Estimated expenses on the proposal ranged from $3.26 million to $4.11 million, with land costs being the variable. “It’s not an offer. It’s what the (irrigation) board thinks it would take to be made whole,” Stricker told her board. “I left there with a validated sense that they are still in it all the way.” About $3 million in tax revenues would come to the agency beginning in 2017 through July 2019 when it will end operations, according to estimates made last year. The agency had been set to end this December. In July 2015, the City Council became the agency’s board of directors, with Mayor Stricker as chair and City Manager Corrigan as executive director. A full work schedule — including planning for a mile-long, 5-foot pipe to replace an open canal and dealing with endangered species and biological issues — have consumed the district and slowed consideration of the TID relocation, said Morris,. Appointment of former TID board members to a committee to facilitate a move and the use of a consultant are under consideration, Morris said, but no date has been set for those decisions. The lack of movement has left the urban renewal district stymied. “We offered every assistance possible,” said Corrigan. "We offered consultants to move things along. We both stressed very vehemently that we are at a standstill.” Land costs for approximately 2.9 acres, duplicating the present site size, are estimated at between $415,425 to $1,263,240 Building costs are estimated at $951,800. Expenditures were determined by a cost-per-square-foot measure. TID worked with area contractors to determine prices. A 2,800-square-foot office is estimated to cost $476,000. The size is the same as the current office. A 5,600-square-foot shop is estimated at $280,000. Currently shop operations are in two buildings and occupy more space. “We could fit those into one and they could be more efficient,” said Morris. Additions of a lunch room, foreman’s office and restroom would add another $53,000 to the shop's cost. Those functions are presently in the office building, said TID Manager Jim Pendleton. A 3,000-square-foot equipment storage shed is projected to cost $75,000, with another $36,000 needed for the concrete slab. “Equipment (space) is a little smaller than the current shed, but it looks like it would fit our needs,” said Morris. Site work was estimated at just over $1.2 million. Grading, rock if needed, water service, parking, an entrance road, electrical service, site lighting, security cameras, fencing and a fuel island are included in the estimate. Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 8, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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