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CJ Wilson LLC awarded $12,770 amendment for two additional Polar Express nights, company cites staffing and production costs
Summary
CJ Wilson LLC told commissioners the $12,770 amendment to its Polar Express contract will cover staffing, sound equipment replacement and production upgrades; the commission approved the amendment unanimously.
The Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway approved an amendment to contract CY24C004 with CJ Wilson LLC to cover two additional Polar Express production nights, increasing the contract by $12,770.
The motion, moved by Secretary Hicks and seconded by Treasurer Cruz, passed unanimously. CJ Wilson representatives said the additional funds are needed primarily to cover staffing for the added nights and to address production costs.
Carla Wilson, representing CJ Wilson LLC, told the commission the majority of the increase is for staffing and other production expenses. "When we add in those extra nights, we have the cast to pay, we have the staff to pay," Wilson said. She also said the company had replaced speakers during the season after equipment failure and has incurred additional costs for improved, longer-lasting serving equipment (stainless-steel trays with bolted melamine cups) to replace disposable cups used in prior seasons.
Wilson said the company plans to add cast elements this year, naming a "hero girl" and a character called Billy to increase immersion. She also referenced direction from Rail Events and Warner Bros. licensing that is pushing rail-based productions toward greater consistency, and said compliance with those standards raises production costs.
The company clarified it is not seeking retroactive payment for the 2024 season.
What happens next
The chair was authorized to sign documentation executing the amendment. Event operations staff will proceed with the amended contract scheduling and budgeting.
Quote
"The additional funding is the majority of it is for staffing," Carla Wilson said, explaining the request to increase compensation to cover extra show nights.
Ending
Commissioners did not raise objections during the vote; the amendment passed unanimously. The commission recorded no public comment on the item during the meeting.
