The City Council’s decision on Monday authorizes the project after bids opened Aug. 21. The only bidder for the sound and lighting equipment was Parr Sound & Lighting for $68,450; the city will cover the remaining amount using available donations plus $21,075 from contingency funds. Councilman Gary Parr, who owns Parr Sound & Lighting, abstained.
City Administrator Logan Burns said fundraising has reached $77,375, including a recent Quality of Life CIP grant. A total of $30,000 is being held back for a proposed spring concert, leaving $47,375 for the sound-and-light purchase. The theatre is expected to continue Great Bend Community Theatre productions while adding the ability to host concerts.
A second upgrade—adding a 265-inch video wall—was tabled after the council sought alternate bids. A single bid of $44,995 came from Satellite Pros, with a 30-day price guarantee, and the council plans to revisit the video wall at its Sept. 21 meeting as fundraising continues.