Commissioners OK Tourism Projects

The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday approved four projects for funding.

The Cheyenne County Visitor Committee presented a request from the Cheyenne County Rodeo Committee for $1,500 to promote the PRCA Rodeo at the Cheyenne County Fair. The 2019 Cheyenne County Fair is scheduled for July 21-27. The Cheyenne County Community Center requested $2,000 to promote the Wood Bat Tournament. The Visitor Committee also recommended $3,000 for the Potter Carbowl. The Potter Carbowl is a community event in Potter scheduled for June 25 that welcomes most anything motorized, from 1948 and older antiques to motorcycles, rat rods, and tractor-garden. There will also be a melodrama, mini-bull riding competition and duckpin bowling tournament. The Visitor Committee also recommended $3,500 for Gold Rush Days. Gold Rush Days is planned for June 7-9 at Legion Park.

Committee Chairman Hal Enevoldsen said all of the requests are the same as last year, and the organizations are aware the funds are reimbursable grants.

The commissioners also met with Tourism Director Kevin Howard regarding the hours of operation at the Visitor Center. Howard said he would like to extend the hours of operation to accommodate travelers.

“Visitors can come in any time,” he said.

He said he wants to change the hours of operation to closing at 8 p.m.

“We need to be a Visitor Center that is here for the visitors,” he said.

Commissioner Randal Miller asked about the hotel proceeds and resulting tax revenue. He asked if the county can afford to hire a part-time employee for the longer hours. Howard said “can we afford not to?”

Howard added receipts show a 15 percent decline in 2018 compared to 2017. He added he has funds for a part-time staff position.

Howard said later Monday that in addition to a part-time seasonal position, he would like to see volunteers at the Visitor Center. The advantage of volunteers is the knowledge of local sites and history, how to “sell” visitors into taking the time to visit downtown and surrounding attractions.

In other business, County Treasurer Shelley Bowlin reported her office’s computer system is updated. She said she was advised by County Attorney Paul Shaub to seek at least three bids. She received a bid for a new server at a cost of $7,987 with a one-year maintenance agreement at a cost of $3,126.

“Right now, we’re back in business,” Bowlin said Monday.

The commissioners also received a report from Jason Petik, CEO of Sidney Regional Medical Center, on medical services for individuals incarcerated in Cheyenne County. The discussion focused on pharmaceutical pricing. Petik the role of the 340B program and how it relates to costs for housing inmates. Section 340B of the U.S. Public Health Service Act provides that pharmaceutical manufacturers that choose to participate in Medicare and Medicaid sell specific outpatient drugs to safety-net providers at a discount, according to 340health.org. The program was enacted under President George H.W. Bush.

Under a new agreement, Sidney Regional Medical Center will purchase the medications for inmates from Western Drug, according to Tom Birner, owner of Western Drug. Birner said SRMC will not be using the 340B program, but instead write it off as a charitable donation.

“It’s really good for the county,” Birner said.

The commissioners also met with Highway Superintendent Doug Hart. The One and Six-Year Road Improvement Plan Public Hearing was set for 9 a.m. May 6.

The commissioners also approved a Special Designated Liquor License for Sidney Shooting Park’s annual banquet Saturday, May 18, at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. The event includes a Rocky Mountain Oyster or chicken strip dinner and drinks, raffles, games and a silent auction.

The commissioners also discussed the county surveyor position. Schaub said by state statute, the decision to have a county surveyor is not discretionary; when no one seeks office, the county is obligated to appoint someone, according to Schaub. The commissioners motioned for Schaub to advertise for the position “with appropriate wording” regarding the duties and compensation.