Robbinsville – After some discussion in a special meeting Friday, the Graham County Board of Commissioners has tabled discussion on purchasing new lights for the Robbinsville High School football field, pending more information.
The board decided too table the measure after discussing the approximately $320,000 price tag quoted by Torrence Sports Lighting. The Charlotte-based firm was the lowest of two bidders.
The project carries an increased sense of urgency, as the Black Knights will not be able to host playoffs until new lighting is installed.
“We’ll have to make a decision next month,” said Commissioner Jacob Nelms. “That’ll be the deadline for the actual season.”
The board must make its final decision by April, for the lights to be functional by August and the beginning of the next year’s football season. The issue will not affect the current football season.
“I want to see somebody say that this is a have to,” said Commissioner Dale E. Wiggins. “That is up to nearly $400,000. If you hit some rock. If you do this. If you do that, you could go up to $400,000 in half the time.”
Nelms said the base bid was $291,308, with an additional $8,000-$9,000 toward remote control for the system, plus some wiggle room, in case digging crews encounter rocks or other issues.
He emphasized that the board did have some time before a decision was required.
Board Chairman Connie Orr said that the changes were mandated by the state, but that no grants were being offered to help the county.