CBT Board approves $100,000 grant to Trafalgar for amphitheater with Festival Country signage condition

The CBT Board voted to award the Town of Trafalgar $100,000 to help build an amphitheater on a three‑acre site the town purchased earlier this year, board chair said during the Sept. meeting. The funding was approved with a condition that Festival Country signage be included and coordinated between staff and town representatives.

The funding request came from Brian Greg, town manager for the Town of Trafalgar, who described a pre‑engineered timber amphitheater and a local builder’s offer. “What we could do for you is we can absolutely build you something, and we'll do it at no cost,” Greg said, quoting GluLam Erectors, a firm he contacted that builds glulam timber structures.

Why it matters: The grant would contribute to creating a central community venue—the town plans expanded parking and year‑round programming—and the board framed the award as an investment in regional festival and events capacity under the Festival Country partnership.

Board discussion and project details: Greg said the structure he presented is an existing, stamped design that would avoid extra engineering costs; he said the amphitheater measures roughly 50 feet wide by 22 feet deep. He told the board GluLam estimated the comparable structure at roughly $265,000 but that the firm could build and supply components “at cost” and would charge only equipment, reducing the town’s expense; Greg said the town would request a $100,000 match from the CBT grant program.

A staff member noted that adding stone columns, running electric service and site improvements would raise the project cost to about $200,000 or more. Greg said Trafalgar is working with Crossroads Engineers on an overall site plan and would secure required commercial design releases before construction.

Formal action: Board member Jason moved to approve a $100,000 grant to the Town of Trafalgar toward construction of an amphitheater, under the condition that Festival Country signage be placed as agreed between staff and the town; the motion was seconded and the board approved the grant. The recorded vote was by voice; the board announced the motion approved.

Discussion vs. decision: The transcript shows both detailed discussion of design, cost estimates and timeline (Greg said GluLam could erect a structure within about two months) and a formal board funding decision. The board’s approval included an explicit condition about signage; no rezoning or change of land use was proposed—the town manager told the board there are no plans to rezone the property and that current zoning is appropriate.

Next steps and caveats: The town manager said he would recommend a matching commitment from the Trafalgar town council and that Crossroads Engineers would complete site planning, geotechnical testing and any necessary permitting. The board did not specify a payment schedule or reporting requirements in the meeting record.

Ending: Board members congratulated the town and noted that the project would serve as a visible community investment; staff and town representatives will follow up on signage language and implementation details.