Kimball County looking at potential growth

County Commissioners to consider action on potential sale of the welcome center February 21

KIMBALL -- City and County officials are making plans for anticipated growth.

With Clean Harbor planning a significant expansion of staff and the U.S. Air Force planned updating of its missile system in the region, attention is turning to the city of Kimball and Kimball County.

In the February 7 Kimball County commissioners meeting, the commissioners reviewed the appraisal of the High Point Welcome Center of Western Nebraska property. The commissioners will consider action on potential sale of the welcome center in their February 21 meeting.

The appraisal presented to the commissioners came in at about $243,000.  Rod James of Kimball questioned if the process was conducted properly.

"I don't think this has been thought far enough ahead. The valuation is way too low for the property," he said.

The commissioners later went into executive session to "discuss strategy and terms of sale regarding sale of County-owned real estate involving the High Point Welcome Center of Western Nebraska."

The property is located at 204 S. Kimball Boulevard.

The commissioners reconvened in open session and unanimously agreed to increase the bid price to $750,000. Successful bidders will also need to include space for a new welcome center. 

Sealed bids are to be received by the county by March 17 and opened in open session March 21.

Support is also being sought for communities impacted by the "ground-based missile deterrent system." Legislative Bill 712 would redirect State funds to communities impacted by the missile update project.