Quite a Difference in Estimated Rent for Expo Building
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Todd County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16.
Hockey Association Rental Agreement
County Coordinator Jackie Bauer presented an addendum to the existing storage agreement for the Expo Building. The county attorney reviewed the draft, but it did not yet include a rental dollar amount. Bauer summarized two outside estimates: a local realtor had suggested about $1.60 per square foot for commercial space, which would put monthly rent around $1,542.40, while the Hockey Association had been told that storage space typically rented closer to $.50 per square foot or about $482 per month.
Commissioner Barb Becker reminded the board that in 2018 a mold cleanup in the locker/storage area cost the county more than $7,000 with ServiceMaster, and that moisture on the concrete floors remains a concern. She noted that the rooms have no windows and limited ventilation, and that without better airflow, mold could reappear.
Commissioner Lew Noska agreed that some type of ventilation or dehumidification system would likely be needed to protect the building.
Mary Littler, speaking for the Hockey Association, said the association had written a check to reimburse the county for a substantial portion of the 2018 mold cleanup and argued that roof leaks and construction issues had contributed to the original mold problem. She emphasized that the association now lifts mats off the floor each year, keeps equipment in totes and off the concrete, and uses moisture‑absorbing products in storage areas. Littler explained the association had invested heavily over the years, including funding the addition with locker rooms and bathrooms, even though the county owns the building.
Becker pointed out that the current request is to use three rooms for storage, but during a recent tour, hockey equipment and supplies were seen in additional spaces, including an area near the compressors and under the stairs by the skate room.
Littler responded that some of those spaces are small “cubby” areas that had been informally allowed in the past and are used for shelving or skates. She said they try to keep items off the floor and accept the risk of theft or damage...
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