Coliseum plans on hold for now

Gregg County commissioners voted this week to delay any further decisions concerning the future of a proposed coliseum adjacent to the Maude Cobb Activity Center in Longview

The decision came after Longview officials presented updated cost estimates on the project The venue is slated to seat more than 4,000 to 6,000 people for number of events, including rodeos, sporting events, concerts, graduations and equestrian events..

Commissioners received a new cost estimate this week of $29.55 million, not including proposed livestock holding area.

Bob Barbee, Precinct 3 commissioner, was concerned that city officials did not have cost estimates for building the livestock holding area next to the coliseum for equestrian events. Barbee has repeatedly asked for these estimates.

In addition to having questions, commissioners are unsure of national financial markets and have asked to wait on the project.

"It is the consensus of the court, with interest rates rising, financial markets in turmoil and questions about the project, that any further decisions be delayed," said Bill Stoudt, Gregg County judge. "I don't think this court said 'no' to anything; what we were saying is, 'Proceed with caution.'"

According to Stoudt, in six months the county would have time to determine whether building costs have decreased.

The City of Longview has paid $500,000 on preliminary efforts, but Jay Dean, city mayor, said it would not spend any more until the city and county reach an agreement on plans for the coliseum.

Stoudt said it was the first time he had heard the city's financial commitment.

To date, the project has cost the county nothing. Stoudt has repeatedly reassured county residents that he and commissioners have no intention of placing a financial hardship on the county — which is debt free, with approximately $28 million in reserve — for this or any project.

"This is a $30 million project, we need to have every angle in our sights before we pull the financial trigger," he said