Commissioners Commit To Purchase Of Armory
The Roosevelt County commissioners approved a commitment to purchase the Culbertson Readiness Center and organizational maintenance shop, which are located in the former National Guard Armory.
Commissioners approved $1.085 million for the purchase, but they are hopeful that the governor would approve some state funding and that the city of Culbertson will also provide funds for the acquisition.
“The Guards wanted something in the books so they could move forward on this,” Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said of approving the motion.
The National Guard hopes the deal is completed by the end of the calendar year.
The county’s plan is to transform the associated vehicle maintenance shop into a fire hall in Culbertson. The commissioners said the three large back doors would be ideal for the Culbertson Volunteer Fire Department. The department provides fire protection services to Culbertson, Froid, Bainville, Fort Kipp and Brockton and also offers mutual aid throughout Roosevelt County.
Commissioner Robert Toavs noted that many of the trucks in the Culbertson Fire Hall are Roosevelt County vehicles.
The former Army Readiness Center portion of the property would be repurposed for Roosevelt County Fair operations, a satellite office for the county sheriff’s office and other community events such as wedding receptions. It’s possible that the space would also be utilized as an emergency operations center and emergency shelter during natural disasters or other emergencies.
Toavs said the sheriff’s office has wanted an office in Culbertson for many years.
Oelkers feels that the facility would be a $3 million asset for the county.
“It will be so important for Roosevelt County with the fair being right there,” Oelkers explained.
He noted that the facility already features a large kitchen and showers. Little if any remodeling is anticipated to be needed. It will also be an ideal site if an emergency occurs.
Added costs for the county could be maintenance such as cleaning and mowing.
