Convention center keeps trying for new reader board

By on Monday, March 27th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Pendleton Convention Center Manager Pat Beard is working to get a new reader board. The old one is out of order, and Beard says people are constantly asking him when a new one will be installed.

The new boards cost about $160,000 and the city had set aside half of that with Beard working on obtaining a grant for the other half. That didn’t work out, because as Beard said city department heads have each other’s backs.

“The fire department needed a new firetruck,” Beard said. “So when you weigh the realities and priorities, it’s much more important to have a new firetruck.”

Beard said he is still working on finding the funds to replace the reader board. He added that the sign is not only a way to get the word out for different events.

“It’s also important in times of emergencies,” he said. “In times of floods and things like that, we’re able to dispense information to the community.”