Scio Township, Dexter Community Schools and City of Dexter Add to their Agreement

With an athletic fieldhouse in mind, the Scio Township Board at its April 28 meeting approved an amendment to its 425 agreement with the city of Dexter.

The exact wording of Scio’s decision states: approve the First Amendment to Contract for Conditional Transfer of Property Agreement under PA 425 of 1984, from Scio Township to the City of Dexter regarding the Dexter Community Schools property and to authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to execute the Amendment on behalf of the Township.

Providing some background in the report to the board, Kristy Aiken, Scio’s Operations Manager, said, “In 2000, the Village of Dexter and Scio Township entered into a conditional transfer of property (a 425 agreement) for a parcel of land owned by the Dexter Community Schools in Scio Township. The Schools now have asked the City of Dexter and Scio Township to amend the 425 agreement to include an additional seven acres of property south of the property currently covered by the 425 Agreement so that the School can build a fieldhouse and get utilities (including water and sewer) from the City.”

Back in February, Dexter Community Schools sent a letter to Scio asking to revisit the agreement. DCS Superintendent Ryan Bruder, who was Assistant Superintendent, then, sent the request letter.

“This request is in support of the planned construction of a new field house as part of the district’s voter approved 2025 bond program, and which field house would require water and sewer service,” Bruder said. “Dexter Community Schools has a long history of strong partnership and collaboration with Scio Township and the City of Dexter. We deeply value the cooperative relationships that have supported shared goals around student opportunities and responsible growth. This request is rooted in that same spirit of collaboration.”

Bruder said the planned fieldhouse would serve multiple purposes: supporting student athletics and wellness, providing year-round training and instructional space.

The agreement was originally put together to build the high school. Scio doesn’t have the utilities in that area, but the city of Dexter can connect there.

Photo 1: A look at part of the land in question. Photo by Lonnie Huhman