(KAIR)--Plans are put in place for the replacement of the Middle Beef Barn on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

That follows the appearance of 4-H Fair Board President Thomas Welsh during the County Commission's regular weekly meeting of April 22. According to the unofficial minutes, Welsh addressed the status of the building, which was constructed around 1974, and has developed structural defects, telling the Commission that replacement would cost less than repairs.

Ideas were discussed regarding the possibility of utilizing community volunteers to make repairs, but due to liability issues, the Commission made the recommendation that the building be replaced professionally.

The Commission was provided with related bids to review, with Chair Richard Malm recommending that, to save money, the County do the demolition and lay the groundwork, with Public Works Director Ben Domann adding that while demolition could start, doing so before the start of chip and seal season would be in the County's best interest.

The building would be tax-exempt, and the County could apply for a Planning and Zoning permit to move forward with replacement.

Following the discussion, the Commission approved accepting a bid up to $50,000 from JW/Lester, subject to available funds.