Side-by-side obstacle course at County Fair approved

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) agreed to allow the side-by-side obstacle course at the Garfield County Fair at their meeting on August 16.

The course was brought to them for approval several weeks ago and has been under consideration. The commissioners stated that the level of risk inherently involved was not enough to prevent the activity, provided that agreed-upon standards of safety and supervision are upheld.

The BOCC discussed a possible demolition and reconstruction of the Public Works Office with County Engineer Grant Morgan. The current office was built in 1965 and has insufficient space as well as poor insulation. A remodel was considered, but a complete reconstruction has been deemed more efficient.

The proposed building will be approximately 3,200 square feet and is expected to cost $500,000 which would be funded by state treasurer bonds with a payback period of 20 years. The building is still in design process.

The commissioners also discussed the Local Recovery Funds that are part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan with the county department heads. The Recovery Funds are only for specific uses including broadband, infrastructure, water, sewer, and premium pay for employees. The discussion was over various ideas of what to use the money for, and a few ideas were put forth. The commissioners asked the department heads to keep thinking about it, and will have a special meeting on August 30 to begin to put together a plan.