Stanly livestock arena plans put on hold by commissioners

Published 2:18 pm Wednesday, May 25, 2022

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At the information session before the recent meeting of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, plans for the new livestock arena near the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center are changing because of the minimum overall cost.

According to County Manager Andy Lucas, the board “directed staff to seek alternative cost estimates for the arena project based on different project scopes.”

Lucas told commissioners at the information session the project, as of its most recent design, had a minimum cost of “close to $5.8 million.” He added that number could be reduced by up to $200,000 for the grading.

The county manager said the project was changed when commissioners added an enclosed heated and cooled space in front of the building. Originally, the entire space was open except for a ticket office and concession stand, along with restrooms.

“If you go back to the original design like this, it’s a completely different building at the front,” Lucas said, showing board members the original plans.

Following up after the meeting, Lucas said “if the Board elects to move forward and construct the arena facility next fiscal year, it will not have any impact” on the next fiscal year’s budget. Debt service payment for it would come in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Lucas said county staff “included potential debt service for the arena facility in the fiscal year 23-24 budget forecast.”

That information was included in the recommended budget document given to commissioners and the media before the most recent commissioners’ meeting.

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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