VALENTINE, Neb. - The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District board narrowly voted 4-3 to move forward with soliciting bids for a proposed remodel of its Valentine office—a multi-million dollar project that has drawn both support and strong opposition. The board emphasized that putting the project out for bid does not guarantee it will move forward, but they want a clearer picture of the total cost before making a final decision.

During the meeting, board member Greg Wilke proposed that the district commit $2 million instead toward conservation efforts. However, MNNRD General Manager Mike Murphy responded that it may not be possible to reallocate funds unless they’re specifically designated for a building project.

“So we can’t take funds out of a building fund? Why even have public meetings if it’s a done deal?” said Wilke.

Several members of the public also voiced their opposition, calling the remodel an unnecessary expense and a poor use of taxpayer dollars.

“It seems silly to tear down a good building because of a few issues that can be resolved by a local contractor,” said Robert Shelbourn. Shelbourn also raised concerns about how the current building is being used, stating he saw personal items such as a pickup truck, washing machine, guns, and a motorcycle stored in the facility during a recent open house.

“Just because the MNNRD has the money, doesn’t mean it should be spent on a ‘want’ instead of a ‘need,’ especially since they do not appear to be properly managing the space they currently own and occupy,” said Shelbourn.

Murphy mentioned that the district has been saving and planning for the building project for a decade.

“I would hope you would go back to our long-range planning. There was a bigger effort in what we wanted to do and get involved with,” said Murphy.

While some board members expressed continued support for the project, others said changing economic conditions have shifted their perspective.

“It’s not that this is a big, elaborate proposal, but costs have went up,” said board vice-chair Leonard Danielski. “It’s hard to swallow at this cost. From what I’ve been hearing from people, a lot of people are struggling with the cost of that building. I’d love to have a building, but maybe we do something that would better benefit the whole district.”