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Commission approves $581,000 design contract for Pahrump civic/community center amid debate
Summary
The board voted 3–1–1 to hire a design-build firm to prepare site and design plans for a proposed civic/community center and wider fairgrounds site work, a step supporters say is needed to seek funding and opponents call too costly and premature.
The Nye County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–1–1 on Feb. 19 to award a design and pre-construction contract to the Corte Company for initial work on a proposed civic/community center and associated fairgrounds site development. The contract covers design and preconstruction fees estimated at $581,343 and would be funded from the Fairgrounds room tax fund (fund 25414).
Supporters said the step is a practical requirement to determine an accurate build cost and to assemble grant and financing plans. William Allen, who spoke for county staff on site and utility work, told commissioners, “VEA was has tentatively agreed to work with us on the power,” describing preliminary talks with Valley Electric Association about providing infrastructure to support the site and future phases.
Opponents and several public speakers questioned the county’s fiscal capacity and priorities. Multiple public comments highlighted earlier rounds of planning and spending tied to the fairgrounds and urged focusing on existing infrastructure such as the community center and arena instead of undertaking a large new project. One resident called the plan a “money pit” and warned the county could face ongoing operating losses.
County staff described this contract as a first step: the design and site-development planning would allow the county to estimate total project costs accurately and pursue grants or other finance options. The board’s 3–1–1 vote authorizes the design work; it does not commit the county to begin construction.
Several commissioners stressed the difference between approving design work and authorizing construction. The contract calls for the firm to prepare schematic designs, a site-development plan suitable for planning commission review, and preconstruction consulting that will help the county evaluate whether to move forward with phases beyond the civic building itself.
The measure passed with three votes in favor, one opposed and one commissioner not voting. Supporters said moving ahead with design gives the county a realistic cost picture; critics said the county should wait until funding is firmly identified and urged more public discussion.
