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Commissioners authorize geotechnical and structural contracts for indoor arena addition over dissent; vote 3–2
Summary
Kerr County approved contracts for geotechnical and structural engineering for the Indoor Arena east addition, authorizing $3,700 to Wellborn Engineering and $12,075 to Maxwell Engineering, despite commissioners noting the 2022 bond election had not passed.
Kerr County Commissioners voted 3–2 on Monday to authorize geotechnical and structural engineering contracts needed to design a concrete slab and structural retrofits for the Indoor Arena east addition.
The court authorized a not-to-exceed $3,700 contract with Wellborn Engineering and Surveying for geotechnical work and a not-to-exceed $12,075 contract with Maxwell Engineering PLLC for structural engineering related to retrofits. Both actions passed on 3–2 votes.
Why it matters: the contracts fund design steps required if the county later proceeds with a concrete-floor installation or other structural retrofits at the indoor arena. Opponents questioned why the court moved forward on design work after voters rejected the bond measure that had included similar arena upgrades.
County Engineer Charlie Hastings told the court the engineering work is narrowly scoped: the geotechnical report is needed so the structural engineer can design a slab if and when the court decides to install one. “The geotech is gonna go in and show what the soil conditions are, and then that recommendation and that data will go to this structural engineer so that he can design the slab,” Hastings said.
Commissioners who opposed the contracts said they were concerned about advancing design steps tied to a plan that voters rejected in 2022. Commissioner Jones asked why the court was authorizing further work on a project related to a failed bond; the record shows the motion carried 3–2 after discussion that included clarifying prior ARPA funding and structural repairs already completed.
Court members supporting the contracts argued the work is preparatory and will be useful if and when the court seeks to proceed with capital investment. Supporters noted the court had previously allocated $710,000 last year for arena-related improvements and that structural repairs and a new roof had already been completed using ARPA and other funds.
Next steps: consultants will perform the geotechnical investigation and deliver recommendations to the structural engineer. The county will return to commissioners with designs, cost estimates and any recommended contract actions before construction work is ordered.
Ending: The split vote underscores continuing debate among commissioners about pursuing arena improvements after the failed bond; the design contracts keep the option open but do not authorize construction.
