Commissioners debate surplus or trade of cattle barn and plans for county event center

Commissioner Billingsley opened a work-session discussion on whether to surplus or trade an existing county cattle barn as the commission considers building an event center on county land.

Billingsley said the cattle barn is underused and could be sold or traded to fund development at the CCEC site. Commissioners discussed land size (less than an acre directly associated with the barn), liability concerns, and whether the airport authority might use the parcel as a laydown yard. One commissioner cautioned that cattlemen or young farmers' schedules should be checked before committing the site to a six- to nine-month rental.

Several commissioners favored a more comprehensive planning process rather than ad-hoc decisions. Commissioner Bone urged a full master plan and operational plan, noting the need for staffing and sustainable operating revenue. Commissioners proposed holding a special work session in early July to prioritize projects and budget options, including a suggested 10% across-the-board budget cut to preserve fund balance.

No final decision was made; commissioners asked staff to prepare a plan and to convene a special session with all seven commissioners to develop a master plan and funding options before any sale or surplus action.