Summary
Columbia County Tourist Development Council approved shifting $275,000 from reserves to begin build‑out of a 500‑acre regional sports park, citing higher-than-expected construction bids and the need to fund entry road, fields and amenities.
The Columbia County Tourist Development Council voted to transfer $275,000 from reserves to begin build‑out of a 500‑acre regional sports park, often referred to in the meeting as the RC Track.
“The building itself came in at 200 and something thousand dollars higher. The next 2 bids were over 800,000 a few. So it’s insane,” a TDC member said while explaining why additional reserve funds are needed. “I’m requesting to move 275,000 out of reserves, for the first build out at the new 500 acres, which is the RC Track.”
Council members discussed higher-than-expected bids for construction and a restroom facility that arrived about $88,000 above prior quotes. The presenter attributed most of the cost increases to rising prices for steel, concrete and other materials. The council approved the reserve transfer by voice vote; the meeting transcript records a motion, a second and an “Aye” vote but does not record individual vote tallies by name.
Council staff also said the county is finalizing contracts for engineering and permitting services for phase 1 work — including an entry road, 16 flat fields and associated amenities — after issuing a request for qualifications and negotiating with firms. The project team reported they expect to receive an engineering contract “in the very near future.”
No timeline for completion or detailed budget breakdowns beyond the noted $275,000 transfer were specified during the meeting. Council members said the county remains “sitting great on reserves” and emphasized the transfer would fund the initial build‑out phase.
The discussion included warnings that construction costs are trending well above estimates statewide and that the county has been adding contingencies to projects to address that inflationary pressure. Questions about longer-term funding plans for later build phases were raised; staff said several financing options are under consideration but did not specify which sources would be used.
The council chair set a future agenda to continue updates on contracts, permitting and funding options for the park.
