Smaller fairgrounds building proposed

A revised, downsized plan for the proposed 4-H Dreher Building was presented to the Douglas County Commission on Monday.

The new plan includes a basement that the county will use for storage. The county will pay for the estimated $148,000 cost of the basement.

The 5,000-square-foot building will be constructed between the Douglas County Extension Service building and Building 21 at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper. Initial plans called for 6,000 square feet.

Commissioner Jere McElhaney and Assistant County Administrator Pam Madl served on a committee planning the building in conjunction with B.A. Green Construction Co. and Treanor Architects.

The budget for the building is $600,000 with an additional $80,000 for furnishings. The funds were left to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation by the Helen Dreher estate. The building will be used for 4-H meetings and exhibits and is expected to be completed next year.

Commissioners voiced their approval for a building plan but were not required to take an official vote.