Hall benefits from designation

    The subject of whether USD 443 should use tax credits to help with the cost of renovating Hennessy Hall has recently been a topic of discussion. Hennessy Hall was put on the national register of historic places to assure that whoever would want to renovate the structure would have the advantage of using the tax credits. In the case of 443's plans to renovate Hennessy into a middle school, the advantage to the taxpayers would be approximately $2.5 million. This would represent 25 percent of the remaining cost after the state pays its 49 percent of the project's $20 million renovation.
    The $2.5 million, if not done with tax credits, would have to be debt serviced over a 20 year period by 443, which could double the amount to be paid by the district's property taxpayers.
    In a recent Globe article, a representative of 443 stated that: "The tax credits are not designed to lower overall construction costs, but are meant to mitigate the increased cost of doing period restoration."
    The reality of what the tax credits can be used for can be found right in Dodge City. Sacred Heart School, an educational facility, has used these credits to lower the cost of installing air conditioning, which previously did not exist at the school.
    These historic rehabilitation tax credits were designed to help lower the cost of renovating historic structures, and Sacred Heart School is proof that these credits do just that.
    Keeping Hennessy Hall on the national register will also provide other financial benefits. The annual maintenance budget for Hennessy Hall can also be lowered by using the 25 percent tax credits. Topeka's historic high school saves approximately $100,000 of its annual $400,000 maintenance budget each year by using these tax credits. Hennessy Hall's maintenance costs could benefit in the same way if it stays on the national register.
    In addition, Hennessy Hall can apply for grants of up to $90,000 a year... again, if it stays on the national register.
    These tax credits are also currently being used by the University of Kansas and are being considered by Kansas State University.
    The advantages of Hennessy Hall staying on the national register will help renovate this historic landmark while significantly lowering the cost to 443 property taxpayers.
    Kent Stehlik
    Dodge City