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Commissioners direct staff to move ahead with events and recreation building at fairgrounds
Summary
After reviewing bids and funding options, the board directed staff to proceed with contracting for a metal events and recreation building near the Horse Barn and to prepare a supplemental budget request and reimbursement plan tied to anticipated capital grants.
Skamania County commissioners gave staff direction on April 1 to proceed with a proposed metal building at the county fairgrounds that would replace space lost to a Community Health remodel and provide offices, public restrooms and event storage.
What was decided: staff reported they solicited multiple vendors; one vendor submitted a full bid and another a partial structural bid. The highest comprehensive bid for the project was reported as about $430,000. Staff requested authority to issue a contract and then submit a supplemental budget request that would use an existing capital improvements account for initial payment and pursue reimbursement from identified funding streams.
Funding and justification: the county's lobbyist had earlier reported a potential House capital allocation of approximately $500,000 for courthouse HVAC/Windows; staff said REET (real estate excise tax), lodging‑tax proceeds and state capital funds could be used to reimburse the capital account after the county pays initial invoices. The proposed building would include public restrooms, office space for fair staff and events and could accommodate showers or additional amenities if funding allows.
Next steps: commissioners directed staff to finalize a contract with the preferred vendor, prepare a supplemental budget appropriation for board action, and pursue available grants and reimbursements. Staff said moving now increases the chance that the structure could be in place before peak fair and event season.
Ending: No formal appropriation was passed at the April 1 meeting; commissioners authorized staff to advance procurement and return the contract and supplemental budget documents for formal approval.
