Riley County commissioners heard a request to aid in the renovations of Peace Memorial Auditorium in Manhattan Monday morning.
Friends of Peace Memorial Auditorium President Dave Fiser asked the commission for a $30,000 contribution.
While commissioners said it’s unclear what they can do, they urged Fiser to come back with the request when they begin the budget formulation process this summer.
“(That building) has a lot of meaning to me, anyway,” said commissioner Ron Wells, a life-long resident of Riley County.
Peace Memorial Auditorium, which is connected to Manhattan’s City Hall, was built in 1955 in honor of soldiers from Riley County who died in World War II.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about… what we’re doing to preserve and make Peace Memorial Auditorium something that we can all continue to be proud of,” Fiser said. “There’s a lot of people who’ve put in work on this.”
Commissioner Robert Boyd praised the group.
“Very worthy cause,” he said. “I’m glad to see we have an organization with leadership and structure. This is will not ensure, but it certainly will enhance the ability of the memorial to be perpetual, and that’s key.”
Commissioners instructed Fiser to bring the contribution request back to them this summer during 2017 budget work sessions.
Improvements to the auditorium include air-conditioning, lighting and stage enhancements and a new veterans’ memorial display.
In other items, commissioners approved a change to the county’s high-density zoning restrictions, which eliminates the requirement for an agricultural buffer zone for areas likely to see more vigorous residential building.
