It’s time to replace MetraPark’s digital advertising sign at 6th Avenue. “The controller is shot,” reported staff in seeking the county commissioners’ pre-authorization to begin the process sooner rather than later due to the length of time it will take to pursue the process. It was planned to begin the process in September but there is much initial work that could begin sooner, said MetraPark’s Assistant Manager Tim Goodridge.

The project is included in MetraPark’s budget for next year.

Goodridge said that the electronics for the sign must be updated. They have received a quote for $187,000 to bring the technology up to date, a process that will create a larger and sharper display area.

Discussion on Wednesday with the Commissioners yielded ideas for other improvements which, if cost effective, could result in generating more revenue from the sign and result in an entirely new sign.  Goodridge agreed it would be a good idea to issue a request for proposal that would include a second alternative which could push the cost up to $250,000, but would be worthwhile if it generated more revenue. He commented that the sign has been a great marketing tool.