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San Juan Ski Drink seeks county help for 10th anniversary; commissioners flag fairgrounds fee policy and volunteer needs
Summary
San Juan Ski Drink organizers asked the county to consider comped facility fees and support for the event’s 10th anniversary, while county staff said budget pressures mean prior county gifts of $10,000 are unlikely and the fairgrounds use fee schedule needs consistent enforcement.
Sarah Smedrude, a board member of San Juan Ski Drink, told commissioners on Oct. 8 that the nonprofit is planning its 10th‑anniversary ski event and requested county support for the fairgrounds — specifically a donation and possible waiver of facility use fees. Smedrude asked the county to continue comping use fees if possible and to coordinate with the county fairgrounds manager to document what the operation previously provided.
"Are you guys still interested in comping our use fees?" Smedrude asked. She said the organization is realistic about county budget constraints and does not expect a repeat of a prior $10,000 county grant but asked whether use fees could be reduced or waived. "I have listened in on some of the budget meetings and realized that you guys are probably not going to be giving us $10,000 again. I'll be realistic here," she said.
County staff and commissioners told the group they had not yet taken a position. Kara, county staff, said the county was still reviewing fairgrounds fee policy and had not yet discussed comped fees for the event. Commissioners urged the organizers to put together a written checklist that separates tasks the event expects the county/fairgrounds to provide and tasks the nonprofit will supply; that list should be used to set clear expectations for Cassidy (fairgrounds manager) and any successor. County officials said a consistent, transparent application of the fee schedule is important because the fairgrounds revenues fund other county priorities.
Several business and lodging impacts were discussed: organizers and commissioners noted that the ski‑drink weekend is one of the busiest for local gas stations, lodging and restaurants, and urged better coordination with the Town of Ridgeway and local businesses to spread benefits across the community. Smedrude asked the county to help with volunteer recruitment and local outreach, and commissioners said they would individually consider volunteering.
Ending: County staff agreed to work with the organizers to create a detailed checklist of needs and responsibilities and to return to the board with a clearer recommendation on fee waivers and any donation, recognizing current budget constraints.
