ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County’s tiniest town will be getting a new performance stage — eventually.

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to contribute $10,000 for a new stage in Norman, at the request of Mayor Kenneth Broadway.

“I am so pleased,” he told the Daily Journal by phone on Wednesday. “I hope I can somehow raise some more money or get some more money to this for the town of Norman.”

Broadway said he wants to construct a 30-foot by 40-foot stage with an A-frame roof, lights and full electricity for events during the day or night.

In his request, the mayor said he refuses “to build a piece of crap,” and has received estimates that construction would cost $23,000.

During the meeting, commissioners suggested that Broadway solicit bids from local contractors, adding they may donate supplies. They also suggested that Sen. Tom McInnis may be able to help with funding.

Commissioner Don Bryant said he felt that the stage would help with tourism and marketing for concerts.

Chairman Kenneth Robinette commended Broadway for “thinking outside the box…for the wonderful ideas of bringing more family activities.”

Earlier in the evening Robinette and Commissioner John Garner was re-elected to their positions as chairman and vice chairman, respectively. Stephan Futrell was also reappointed as the county attorney.

County Manager Rick Sago, Public Works Director Bryan Land and county Building Inspector Gary Williams will be helping Broadway with the design and construction of the stage.

The Norman mayor said he hopes to have the stage built by spring, but wants to make sure it’s done all at once.

If complete, he wants to hold a “spring fling” in April and initiate the stage with the Sand Band, which has performed at Norman Fest several times. Broadway also wants the event to feature a car show and extend into the nighttime hours.

He said Norman Fest draws in people from Montgomery and Moore counties in addition to those from Richmond.

“We’re in a good location,” he said of the town of fewer than 140 people. “I’d love to see something major happen up this way.”

The board also approved:

• the submission of applications for Community Development Block Grant funds.

• a resolution to apply for a $1 million grant for the expansion of the water treatment plant.

• a contract with Mission Critical Partners for consultation services to complete the N.C. 911 grant.

• the updated Richmond County Emergency Operations Plan.

• the updated National Incident Management Systems resolution.

• a $2,000 increase in funding for sexually transmitted disease drugs for the health department.

• 15 appointments to the community advisory group for Project REACH .

• the 2015 Richmond County Board of Health handbook.

• four appointments to the Richmond County Health and Human Services Board.

• a resolution awarding a bid contract to Carter Bank and Trust to refinance the county’s 2007 school bonds.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_toler.

Daily Journal file photo If Mayor Kenneth Broadway gets his wish, members of the Sand Band could be playing on a new stage the next time they come to Norman. County commissioners voted Tuesday to contribute $10,000 to the project.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_normanfest_sandband_cmyk.jpgDaily Journal file photo If Mayor Kenneth Broadway gets his wish, members of the Sand Band could be playing on a new stage the next time they come to Norman. County commissioners voted Tuesday to contribute $10,000 to the project.

By William R. Toler

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