Commissioners OK new fairgrounds building

The Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a bid for the construction of a new livestock building at the fairgrounds on Monday morning.

The $368,000 structure will replace an aging facility at the fairgrounds, but it‘s contingent upon a fundraising effort to secure the needed funds.

Troy Curz, who has helped the effort to replace the existing building, said he reviewed both bids that were submitted for the new building.

“I put together an analysis of the two original bids,” he said. “I broke it down, gleaning as much information for the proposals as I could.”

Curz recommended the commissioners accept the bid from Wieser Construction for a 100-foot by 230-foot by 18-foot structure.

Sales taxes were not included in the bid, Commissioner Steve Olson said.

Commissioner Darrell Johnson said while the building will be used for 4-H, it would also be available to the community.

The building is being primarily funded by the people in the county and it will be available for numerous uses, on a case-by-case basis, he said.

Before voting on the bid, he asked if the money is in the bank.

Marty McMillen said the committee heading the endeavor for the new building is in the process of transferring the money to the county.

“We’re at $401,000,” he said.

Olson also asked about the ability of the proposed building to be expanded in the future.

McMillen said that is always a possibility.

Johnson said if it’s the opinion of the committee working toward the new building that the bid from Wieser be accepted, he would support it.

He added, though, he’d like to see the money in the bank first.

“I think it’s clear the people want this,” Commissioner Philip Sanders added.

After Johnson asked about a timeline for construction, McMillen said demolition of the existing building was on hold until the commissioners approved a new building.

“I’m not going to step out and tear down until we have approval,” he said.

John Weisner of Wieser Construction said a completion date of November was based upon the contract being awarded in July, “so push back accordingly,” he added.

Sanders made a motion to approve the bid to Wieser contingent upon the construction funds being secured. Olson seconded the motion and it passed by a 3-0 roll-call vote.