Fox Community Center
Fox Community Center
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fox Community Center differs from other county-wide projects because it is a collaboration of the Jackson County Board of Education, Jackson County School District, Jackson County Board of Commissioners, Town of Gainesboro and Fox Community Center Inc. (Nonprofit). This is something new for everyone involved!
We know Jackson County residents will have many questions as the project moves forward. Our goal is to answer them all on this FAQ. If you have a question, check below to see if we have already posted an answer. If we haven't, please e-mail us. We'll reply with an answer - AND likely post it right here on this page to keep everyone updated.
Will Jackson County taxpayers pay for the community center?
No. Fox Community Center, Inc. is a nonprofit that will seek grants, private donations, and user fees to reduce the burden on Jackson County and the Town of Gainesboro.
It would be inaccurate to say the County’s cost will be zero, since some impact is possible (for example, the public library’s growth could increase operating costs). But private donations and other funding should keep costs to the County at a minimum.
Will the community center raise property taxes in Jackson County?
Decisions about property taxes are made by the elected County Commissioners. There are no plans to increase property taxes associated with development of the Fox Community Center.
Of course, any new County services can add costs, so it's not impossible that the Fox Community Center could contribute somewhat. However, we expect the Center to attract new residents and growth that expand the tax base, helping offset costs. The Center is intended to make Jackson County more attractive and support long-term tax revenue growth.
Will county funds be diverted from other essential services to pay for this?
No. There are no plans to reallocate essential County funds to pay for the Fox Community Center.
Who is paying to open the YMCA?
We are pursuing Federal, state, and private grants and donations to fund the Fox Community Center, including the resources needed to host a YMCA and expand the public library. Final plans will be developed to ensure the YMCA and library resources are staffed and funded without taking funds from essential County services. The goal of the Community Center is to benefit the community, not to cost the community.
Who will own and operate the YMCA?
The YMCA at the Fox Community Center will be operated as a division of the Putnam County YMCA. The Putnam County YMCA is exceptionally well-run and has a proven track record of operating standalone YMCAs in neighboring counties.
What about people who want to join the YMCA but can’t afford it?
We will make YMCA membership and programs affordable for all Jackson County residents. Sliding-scale fees and income-based subsidies will be available so anyone who wants to participate can do so.
What will happen when the current ThreeStar grant money runs out? Will the project die?
No. The ThreeStar grant in place right now covers only the initial feasibility work to evaluate using the Fox Middle School as a community center and estimate capital and operating costs. We are already pursuing Federal, state and private grants plus donations. The ThreeStar study strengthens our case and should help secure additional outside funding.
What will happen to the old library building?
Developing the Fox Community Center will free up the current library building for other uses. No final decision has been made — the Jackson County Commissioners will decide how the former library space is used.