For Immediate Release

Council OKs facilities sharing deal with Dysart Schools

Surprise AZ (June 12, 2012) The Surprise City Council has unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Dysart Unified School District to share facilities and improve the business relationship at its meeting Tuesday night.

The agreement makes City and District facilities more accessible for community recreation and maximizes their joint use for community benefit, City Manager Chris Hillman told the Council. It also calls for each organization to consult with the other when planning new facilities that might be usable by both.

“This is a momentous occasion,” Hillman said. “It marks an exciting new beginning in our mutual commitment to improving recreation opportunities for all our residents.”

Under the agreement, the City and the District will consult each other on the scheduling of games and events to avoid conflicts and maximize availability. 

It also clears a path for nonprofit groups to use City or Dysart facilities by allowing such groups access to both if they have an agreement with either. “It just makes everything so much easier for everybody,” Hillman added.

The City’s business relationship with the District is also clarified under the IGA. “We will no longer waive development impact fees when new Dysart facilities are built,” Hillman said. “We will consult with each other on plans to construct new facilities that may be suitable for joint use.  That will keep us focused on serving our residents and acting efficiently on behalf of our taxpayers.”

“The agreement is a big step forward in our growing partnership for community betterment,” he added.

Hillman told the Council the agreement commits the City to expediting inspections and other services that apply to Dysart facilities and to waiving permitting and other fees, “which we will account for and report,” he said.