Ferron holds public hearing on $6 million agricultural center CIB grant application

Ferron City Council opened a public hearing to discuss the city’s application to the Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) for funding to build a new agricultural center to replace the burned barn on the fairgrounds.

City staff said the total estimated project cost is $6,000,000 and the application requests a $3,000,000 CIB grant with a $3,000,000 local match from the city. Council members and staff described the planned facility as a multiuse arena designed for stock shows and year‑round events and noted several stock‑show‑specific elements such as a pig barn and wash racks. Wyatt, an engineering representative from Jones and Veil, joined staff for the hearing and helped compile the CIB application.

Why it matters: The project would relocate and replace a structure central to the fairgrounds and potentially change how the city programs and maintains the facilities. Funding decisions by CIB, the city’s insurance settlement and any county in‑kind contributions will determine the scope built.

Key points from the hearing: - Project scope and funding: City staff said the application lists a $6 million total cost with a $3 million CIB grant request and a $3 million city match. Staff reported they expect roughly $2.5 million from an insurance settlement but that amount is not finalized. The council also expects approximately $500,000 in in‑kind contribution from the county (described by staff as “cleanup in kind”). - Design and use: Presenters described a large indoor arena with stalls, bleachers, wash racks and space for roping and barrel racing. Staff emphasized the plan is schematic and can be scaled depending on actual funding awarded. - Schedule and permitting: Staff reported they do not yet have a CIB hearing date but expect to appear to the board possibly in September. Demolition of the damaged barn was described as planned after the upcoming small stock show; staff said demolition timing depends on event schedules and available funding. - Contingency and financing choices: Council members asked what the city would do if CIB awarded a smaller grant or offered a mix of grant and loan. Staff answered that the insurance settlement remains uncertain and council direction would be needed if the award included significant loans. No final council decision on accepting partial awards was made at the hearing.

Council members and staff said the project remains at schematic design; staff noted constraints for expansion tied to an existing drain line and the width of the original structure and that locating the building in the middle of the arena could allow future additions. The city will bring any CIB award or revised scope back to the council for formal direction.

Ending: The public hearing was left open to take questions and the council said it will return with specifics after the CIB response and further clarification of insurance proceeds and county contributions.