The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a revised lease with the Jefferson County Fair Association that, among other changes, requires utilities for the fairgrounds to be placed in the fair association's name and makes the tenant responsible for timely payment.

Board members debated the lease's length and renewal mechanism after the fair association's representative said vendors and entertainment providers needed scheduling certainty. The association had proposed a multiyear agreement; district staff recommended a one-year lease with automatic annual renewal unless the board takes action to change it. Staff said the automatic renewal approach avoids creating a multiyear financial commitment that would otherwise require additional county-level resolutions.

During discussion a fair association representative outlined community-focused event proposals and asked that utilities be restored to the association's account to simplify monthly payments. The board considered and adopted an amendment that replaces the rent-and-utilities language in lease B with: "All utilities used on the premises shall be placed in the name of the Jefferson County Fair Association, and tenant Fair Association shall be responsible for timely payment of all utility charges." The recorded vote on that amendment was recorded in the meeting as 7 in favor, 4 opposed, 0 abstaining.

Board members also adopted an amendment granting school employees free entry plus one guest to the fair. Board discussion of that amendment included concerns about cost and precedent; supporters said it was a modest recognition of school staff given that the fair occurs on school property and that the association supports student premiums and scholarships. The amendment was adopted during the meeting prior to final approval of the lease.

Other changes in the lease packet include extending the permissible sign-display window from 10 to 15 days before events and lengthening the cancellation notice from 120 days to 180 days. The fair association provided a list of proposed community events intended to raise awareness about FFA, 4-H and local agricultural heritage; the association said many of those events would not generate significant revenue and could break even or run at a small loss because they are community oriented.

The board approved the fair lease as amended. Staff noted the board retains authority to decline renewal in any given year and that special-event uses outside the normal fair must be presented to the board before proceeding.

The lease approval includes direction for the fair association to keep the district informed of non-fair events and for staff to process any changes needed to insurance or billing arrangements.