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Lancaster County approves consultant agreements to keep convention center plan ready should turnback tax move forward
Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved consultant and professional services agreements tied to a proposed Lancaster County Convention Center, including a $57,200 not-to-exceed advisory contract, saying the approvals position the county to move quickly if a turnback-tax funding mechanism is approved at the state level.
The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on May 12 approved a set of professional services agreements and related documents intended to keep planning for a proposed Lancaster County Convention Center active if a funding mechanism moves forward.
Commissioner Sean Flowerday said the project had been tabled, but not denied, at the state level and that the consultants involved had previously worked on large projects. Flowerday said the agreements would position the county to move quickly if approval of a turnback tax is received.
The Board approved a not-to-exceed $57,200 professional services agreement with Legends Project Development (dba Convention Sports & Leisure International LLC) to provide project advising, coordination and strategic planning related to the convention center. The Board also approved a quote from Nebraska Title Company to perform title search and examination for properties in Block 90 in the City of Lincoln, and a professional services agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc for geotechnical and environmental consulting services tied to Block 90; the Terracon agreement’s term renews annually under the contract’s fee schedule.
County documents show the agreements would allow staff to advance site due diligence and planning rather than commit construction funds. Commissioner Flowerday noted Legends had previously assisted with development of Pinnacle Bank Arena and other major projects.
The motion to approve the documents passed unanimously. No public opposition was recorded during the meeting’s discussion of the items.
The Board’s action does not appropriate construction funding. Flowerday’s comments and the contracts reflect preparatory work to be executed only if the County secures a funding path such as turnback-tax approval at the state level.
The Board will continue to monitor state-level action and brought the consultant agreements forward to maintain momentum on planning and due diligence.
