It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Chris Brown, president of Contour Entertainment, will have a very merry Christmas in two weeks.
The Pahrump Town Board decided to settle up on Tuesday with Brown for services provided on what initially was to be a vast tourist destination dubbed Adventure Springs.
Though the town board and staff thought the project was officially dead back in July when phase II of the project was completed, Brown submitted a bill for $20,700 last month.
Board member Dr. Tom Waters said on Wednesday the board was indeed obligated to pay Brown.
“In reading the contract, we owed them the money,” Waters said. “As long as they complied with the contract, we have to pay them because I can’t see where they did not comply with the contract.”
Additionally, Waters said though the issue was not voted on at Tuesday’s meeting, he’s certain the town will not stiff Contour.
“The County Commissioners shouldn’t have to deal with that,” he said. “Are we going to have a special meeting? I still don’t know because I really don’t see a reason for it since the previous town board already approved payment.”
After roughly three years and $300,000, the town received nothing more than artist renderings and a handful of reports on the design, scope and financial feasibility of the failed project.
Town Manager Susan Holecheck immediately contacted Brown after receiving the last bill in late November.
“On behalf of the Town Board, the town has questions and strong reservations regarding this invoice, and the town requests clarification,” Holecheck said. “On or about August 2014, wherein I advised that it appeared that the project was dead in the water and I did not foresee a Phase III. It was my understanding that Contour Entertainment already submitted a final report and that the town had completed all requirements and payments under Phase II. No work to my knowledge has occurred since July 2013.”
Additionally, the town manager informed Brown on Nov. 20, that the town would not process the bill.
“At this time, I have no information that would lead me to conclude Phase II had not been previously finalized. Should you dispute the Town’s Phase II contractual responsibilities, please inform me in writing of the basis for this invoice. I am sure you understand that as stewards of taxpayer dollars we need to be able to fully explain to our residents how dollars are being expended and for what purpose.”
In other town business, board members approved the installation of a chain link fence at Blosser Park at a cost not to exceed $7,500.
The board also approved the town manager’s employment contract without monetary adjustments.