For those of you who wonder why government public works projects seem to take so long to actually get started, let alone be completed, the answer is that prior to ground getting broken or sledgehammers getting swung, a lot of preliminary engineering work (figuring out specifications, itemizing what needs to be done, preparing a bid package, etc.) has to be done first.

Once that's out of the way, most projects then "go out to bid," which means contractors offer to do the work for a price.

When a bid is decided on, it may or not have to be approved at a future public meeting.

Although the bureaucratic process can get frustrating, residents will be happy to know the Pahrump Town Board got several of the town's projects under way at its last meeting by taking the first step and approving engineering agreements.

The community's pool deck is slated to be replaced, and WillDan will be putting together plans, specifications, and a bid package.

In addition to replacing the pool deck, the pool will enjoy new fencing (both chain link and a six-foot, block perimeter wall) a prefabricated shade structure, and a paved five-foot sidewalk.

The preliminary work is expected to cost $20,476 that will be taken from the swimming pool special revenue fund.

The cost of construction for the renovations is currently estimated to be around $175,000, although only the final bid process will decide how much the town will need to spend.

The Bob Ruud Community Center will also see some repairs and external remodeling in the future.

The board approved a $34,500 agreement with WillDan to prepare the preliminary work and bid package to replace the roof and give the center a whole new look (at least on the outside).

Funding for the agreement is available from payment equal to taxes (PETT) funds from the county.

The ultimate cost of construction is estimated to be approximately $200,000, but that depends on what the bids are when they are placed.

Additional funding for the project is expected to come from an annual $300,000 PETT fund contribution to the town that is pending approval by the county.

The Pahrump Alliance Valley Economic Development (PAVED) had its memorandum of understanding with the town approved, allowing the nonprofit corporation to continue its work on the proposed Pahrump Arts and Recreation Center (PARC).

PARC, which is slated to be located on the proposed fairgrounds, is expected to include two theme parks (a Wild West-type attraction and water park), an indoor arena, a convention center, and even a sports park.