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Local group proposes $28 million Meriwether County community agricultural center
Summary
Members of the County Cattlemen's Association presented a concept for a multi-use community agricultural center on roughly 28 acres near Highway 27A and County Farm Road, with a preliminary budget of about $28 million and facilities intended for education, livestock care and large events.
Lanny Rampley, representing the County Cattlemen's Association, and landscape architect Scott Palone presented a concept plan on June 8 for a community agricultural center they said would serve recreation, education and agricultural needs in Meriwether County.
Rampley opened the presentation by reviewing the recent rodeo attendance that prompted the proposal and outlined the group's goal of building a facility “not only just for recreation purposes but for education.” Palone walked the commission through site plans for an approximately 28-acre parcel between Highway 27A and County Farm Road and described the proposed program: a main building intended to house a cooperative extension office, a classroom and demonstration kitchen; a large covered gathering breezeway and courtyard; a livestock barn and a separate arena building with permanent bleachers. Palone said the main building is roughly 37,000 square feet of conditioned space with another approximately 37,000 square feet of covered (non-air-conditioned) area and that the indoor arena would add roughly 54,000 square feet of covered space, though he characterized these figures as preliminary.
On cost, the presenters said the preliminary budget for the full concept is about $28 million and that the association intends to raise the funds rather than rely on existing county capital. “Our preliminary budget right now is $28 million,” Palone said; he added the project could be built in stages if the board prefers. The presenters suggested the center could attract outside events—trading‑card shows, dog shows and multi‑day events—that bring visitors and lodging demand, producing local economic activity. They also proposed space for a traveling large‑animal veterinarian to serve the region.
The presenters asked whether the county would consider conveying property or partnering; they said they could also pursue independent fundraising and lease or long‑term management arrangements if the county did not want ownership. Commissioners asked legal and procurement questions about potential county ownership, leasing and whether funds would flow through the county if the board owned the site. Commissioners directed the group to meet with the IDA and county staff for follow‑up and noted the board would discuss the concept further.
The presentation closed with an acknowledgement that the design and budget are early concepts and that fundraising, procurement, ownership and legal structures would require further staff work and possible future action by the board.
Ending: The board did not take a formal vote on the proposal June 8; commissioners asked staff to schedule further discussion and suggested the group meet with the county’s IDA and legal counsel to clarify ownership and funding options.
