Commissioners listen to proposal for new fairground building

The Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners discussed the county’s aging fairground buildings on Monday morning at its regular meeting. While the commissioners conceded any upgrades or new construction likely won’t be completed in time for this year’s fair, they identified improving the facility as a priority.

“We really need to focus on fixing up the buildings for the kids and for the community,” Commissioner Philip Sanders said

Marty McMillen is leading a committee on the proposed new building at the fairgrounds, and he presented possible plans.

“My family has been involved with the fairgrounds for 75 years,” he said. “That’s kind of why I stepped up to be a part of this.”

Through previous work, a “dream team” was assembled to create a list of upgrades and amenities for the facility if money wasn’t an issue.

McMillen said the plans he presented this week were much narrower in scope and limited to a new livestock building.

“The original plan for the building was $600,000, which we all knew, there’s no way that’s going to happen,” Sanders said. “I’m not sure if this is doable or not, but we need to do something. Time is of the essence.”

McMillen showed photographs that documented the disrepair of current fairground structures.

The images depicted rafter splits, rot and cracks.

“In five to 10 years, we won’t have anything left,” Sanders said. “The building will be in a pile. I’m afraid – the conditions those buildings are in.”

The urgency in constructing a new building, he added, is also because $43,000 in insurance funds will be cut in half if not used by the end of the year.

“I think the best thing to do is try to get something started before the end of the year so we don’t lose the $20,000 in insurance money,” Sanders said. “We can’t afford that.”

The proposal McMillen discussed came to $217,000 for a new livestock pavilion.

The covered structure would be 100 fet by 200 feet with sidewalls. The existing livestock building would be demolished and a new concrete pad would be poured.

Sanders said the building could be used for other events throughout the year, not just the fair.

“You can use a building like this for a lot of other things: livestock sales, RV expos,” he said. “There are a lot of things we can use this building for to help justify doing this.”

In addition to the insurance money, McMillen identified other potential funding sources.

“I was hoping for $150,000 out of the visitors’ committee,” he said. “That would still give them plenty of money if a big event comes to Sidney.”

He also identified the McMillen and Leuhrs memorial fund and the Cheyenne County fund as potential sources of capital – besides seeking donations from community members.

“If the community sees we’re trying to make an effort to get this done, I hope they’ll step up,” Sanders said.

McMillen said he would begin applying for grants and meet with the visitors’ committee.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to others in the community,” Sanders told McMillen. “Let them know what we’re trying to get done. I can’t stress that enough – this is something we have to get done.”