County Enters Five-Year Management Agreement with Beacon for Facility Operations

A new five-year management agreement for a local facility in Shawnee County is set to reshape the county's approach to event hosting and revenue generation. During the recent Shawnee County Commission meeting, officials discussed the terms of the contract with Beacon, a local company, emphasizing the need for a collaborative relationship as they transition management responsibilities.

The agreement, which will take effect on October 1, allows Beacon to manage the facility while the county retains ownership. The contract stipulates that Beacon will keep 60% of the gross profits from events, with the county receiving 40%. This split will be reviewed after 18 months to assess its fairness based on the facility's performance.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of establishing a solid operational foundation, noting that it may take until next May or June for Beacon to fully ramp up operations and begin hosting events. The county is currently covering approximately $73,000 annually in utility costs, which will be a key focus in future discussions about cost management.

Maintenance responsibilities were also a significant topic, with the county agreeing to handle day-to-day cleaning and repairs, while Beacon will manage event-related maintenance. Security measures will be enhanced, ensuring that access to the facility is tightly controlled, especially given the presence of valuable equipment and supplies.

Overall, this agreement marks a strategic move for Shawnee County, aiming to turn the facility into a profitable asset while fostering a productive partnership with Beacon. As the county prepares for this new chapter, officials are optimistic about the potential for increased community engagement and economic benefits.