Following an August 1 meeting between the Jefferson County Fair Board and a Rodeo Association representative, a revised policy was adopted by the fair board clarifying fees for the use of the facility.
“At the meeting, we agreed to modify our policy in recognition of the contributions of the rodeo association to our arena and concession stand facilities,” said a letter by fair board chair Terry Minow announcing the new policy.
Rodeo representatives had complained a week earlier to the county commission that they were being asked to pay fees for a facility into which they had contributed hundreds of hours of labor that saved thousands of dollars. The commissioners advised the rodeo reps to meet with the fair board in an effort to work out an acceptable policy.
Rodeo association president Kip Harris attended the fair board meeting to discuss the issue. Under the revised policy, arena, concession stand and field fees will be waived for any event in the arena sponsored by the rodeo association as long as the association provides written notice of its sponsorship and details what the sponsorship entails. A county reservation form must be also filed. If restrooms are used, the rodeo association must pay for the rental.
The association will also be billed by the fair for electricity used in the announcer stand and concession stand and for dumpster fees. In addition to that, the fair board agrees to allow the rodeo association to use fair buildings without charge for one rodeo fundraiser or promotional event per year. No fees are charged during the annual fair and rodeo. Minow said rental fees are used to offset the costs of maintenance of the grounds as well as to help cover utility costs created by usage.
In a follow-up letter to Harris, Minow said, “The Fair Board values the contributions of the Rodeo Association and your members, who have undoubtedly worked very hard to improve the arena side of the fairgrounds. Our arena and concession stand are much-improved thanks to your good work.” She went on to say, “We appreciate all the groups and people who volunteer to put on the fair and rodeo and who contribute their time and labor to make the Jefferson County Recreation Park a great place for our community to enjoy. As you know, members of the fair board are also volunteers. We appreciate all volunteers.”
The revised policy has been submitted to the clerk and recorder’s office for implementation. That office receives the application forms for use of the fair and rodeo facilities. A copy of the policy was also submitted to Commissioner Leonard Wortman.
