Hereford Economic Development Corporation board members will consider approving funding for possible construction on a new Hereford civic center next week.
On Thursday, August 1st, the Hereford EDC Board will consider approving the expenditure of $2.5 million to build a new civic center complex in Hereford. If approved, the $2.5 million commitment from the Hereford EDC will be offered to combine with $4 million in financial commitment by the City of Hereford for the possible building of a new complex. Hereford City Commissioners are expected to approve the $6.5 million package to go to voters in November for a possible civic center project.
Hereford city manager Rick L. Hanna says that the project has been expected for a long time and makes sense at this time for the people of Hereford.
"Our old community center...we've been having some problems with it," Hanna said. "So it's time to do something about it."
Hanna says that the $6.5 million facility, if approved, will not cost taxpayers in the community anything, as funding has already been allocated for the initiative.
"I've been stashing money for eighteen years because I knew this was coming," Hanna said. "Now it's time to get this done."
Hanna said that the project will be funded by money currently sitting in reserves in Hereford and will not cause any tax or fee increases to fund its construction. Hanna also said that this project has been a long process, as Hereford officials have been aware of the importance of the using the money wisely for a new facility.
"It's not my money and it's not the mayor's money," Hanna said. "It's the taxpayers' money."
According to news reports on the project, the new facility will host areas for concerts, ag events and trade shows. The new facility will replace the current facility in Hereford, which holds less than 300 people in its largest room and was built in 1953.
