PCDI Moving to Rodeway Cow Palace Inn, Sets 2013 Budget

Big R Warehouse on Washington Street

The PCDI headquarters move won’t take place until the start of 2013, essentially a cost-cutting move approved by the Prowers County Development Incorporated board. With only minor changes, the 2013 budget reflects the financial structure for the economic development organization for 2012. The City of Lamar and Prowers County Commissioners will each contribute $50,000 to the budget and board members will seek to raise an additional $19,000 through various donations. One fundraising event being brought back for 2013 is the PCDI golf tournament. Board president, Cathy Buxton asked Lawrence Brase to secure a date for next year from the Spreading Antlers Golf Course board as quickly as possible.

Future Office Site for PCDI at Rodeway Cow Palace Inn

PCDI will save about $2,500 in yearly rental fees for their new headquarters. PCDI board member, and Cow Palace Inn general manager, Doug Thrall, said the new offices will be located in the far southeast corner on the motel’s mezzanine main floor. Utilities, insurance and building maintenance will be reduced to zero, a marquee sign will be added, and there will be ample parking available for board members and guests. Board members also decided to drop an extra phone line which will save another $1,000 for the year. Executive Director, Lisa Nolder and Administrator Assistant, Carla Scranton are receiving an increase in their hourly wages, but only because as county employees, they qualify for the same increase being given to all county employees for next year. The increase was approved, but not initiated by the PCDI Board of Directors.

The Big R Washington Street property may be sold within the next several months. Discussions with the board, Sharon Wilson Realtor, and an industrial commercial developer were held several times in October. The initial contract may be a ‘lease to own’ for the entire property consisting of warehouses and offices on East Washington Street. The interested party has interests related to the oil and gas production industry. The property was donated to PCDI by Big R owners about three year ago when they moved their local business offices to join their corporate operation in the Pueblo area. Since that time, PCDI has listed the property to sell primarily to a developer who could bring additional jobs to Prowers County. The proceeds from the sale will be used by PCDI as future incentive funds to help generate additional local business growth. The next PCDI board meeting is set for November 27 and the December meeting will be on the 18th, due to the Christmas holiday conflict.

By Russ Baldwin