Finances Top PCDI 2013 Priorities

Prowers County Development Incorporated board members held their final meeting at the current headquarters on South Main Street in Lamar before making their transition to the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn by the second week of December.  The new location will help cut back on various expenses including rent, utilities and insurance.  PCDI will occupy two main rooms in Suite 103 in the southeast corner of the Motel’s ground floor.  Prowers County Commissioner, Joe Marble, said he’d contact the road the bridge department to see if some vehicles were available to help move the office equipment.

A list of goals for 2013 is being developed, with the Washington Street, Big R incentive property heading the list.  Although the land, warehouse and office buildings have been shown to prospective buyers over the past two years, there is still a soft market for a property of that size and scope.  Board member and LCC President, John Marrin, suggested that a top to bottom assessment of the building take place during a January work session when the board explores alternative uses and does some outside the box thinking about the best way to market the property.  The utilities have been turned off to minimize overhead expenses and the building has been prepped for winter weather.

PCDI President, Cathy Buxton and Treasurer Lawrence Brase obtained a line of credit from Colorado East Bank and Trust to continue minimum maintenance of the building.  The bank has suggested that board members become active in securing funding from local community partners to help augment the 2013 operating budget.  This has been a past issue of concern among the board which has made local fundraising a top priority for the approaching year.  On that note, Lawrence Brase said he has been in contact with Spreading Antlers Golf Course to lock in a date for a fundraising golf tournament.   Until several years ago, PCDI held them on a yearly schedule.  The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be on Tuesday, December 18 at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn.

By Russ Baldwin