Council hears plan to spend $15.3 million state allocation on rodeo fairgrounds; residents raise lease and gift-clause concerns

City staff presented options on Oct. 14 for spending a $15,300,000 state appropriation earmarked for improvements at the Prescott Rodeo Fairgrounds and asked the council for direction on which projects to prioritize. The presentation and public comment produced questions about scope, sequencing and whether the city should renegotiate the rodeo operator's lease before funding improvements.

What the state law says: The city attorney read the appropriation language from Senate Bill 1735 (referencing Laws 2023, chapter 133, section 118, paragraph 2) and said the funds "shall be promptly spent to promote use of the rodeo grounds, including landscaping, hardscaping, drainage, and the replacement improvement and increased capacity of aging water and sewer infrastructure; for upgrades to the main arena sound system and bleacher seating; for construction of new restroom facilities to accommodate large crowds during events; and for other site improvements that support the economic and tourism activity generated by the year-round use…