Residents question pavilion costs and $400,000 strategic plan at Prince George County meeting

Justin Goodman, a Prince George County resident, told the Board on April 14 that he supported investments in parks but was alarmed by the cost of a proposed pavilion, saying the $227,000 package — about $175 per square foot — was out of step with local construction costs and deserved clearer justification. "The public deserves a clear explanation of how we arrived at this number," Goodman said during the public-comment period.

Another commenter, identified on the record as Genquist, disagreed with the criticism and told the Board the project had been procured as a build-to-print job and solicited by invitation for bids to favor a local small business rather than a cooperative contract with an out-of-county vendor. He said the design and specifications dictated the materials and quantities, limiting scope for cost-saving substitutions.

Bill Steele, another member of the public, thanked two state representatives for attending a recent taxpayer meeting and supported the Board’s decision to pull the pavilion from the agenda to allow further review. "We need to present you with all of the information available, not just what somebody wants to present to the board," Steele said, adding he would provide alternative quotes for consideration.

Board action: Chair Cox announced that B9 and B10 (pavilion items) had been removed from the order of business and the amended agenda was adopted by roll call. Staff and board members said they would revisit procurement choices and provide additional information at a later meeting.

Why this matters: The pavilion would be funded from the county’s tourism fund but remains public money. Commenters framed the issue as both fiscal stewardship and local economic policy — whether contracting decisions prioritize local small businesses and whether the county has adequate transparency about specifications and prices.

What’s next: The pavilion item remains off the immediate agenda. The Board asked staff to provide additional procurement details and comparisons before the item returns for further consideration or action.