Commissioners press for clarity and lease review before major Blueprint investment at fairgrounds

Commissioner Proctor moved and the board approved an informational item requesting staff provide greater clarity on the fairgrounds master plan, the lease terms and the governance structure before the agency advances large capital investments at the site. Commissioners raised concerns about transparency, oversight and who would control future facilities built with Blueprint dollars.

Proctor said he was “not willing to put $30,000,000 into something that we, the city and the county, we have no voice,” and asked staff to return with the status of lease renegotiations, an explanation of the fair association’s governance and an assessment of what protections the public would have over improvements. Director Autumn Calder said the board had previously approved a master plan and that staff were finalizing a concept plan for the site; she said the next step would be lease negotiations led by the county attorney and that Blueprint would not expend construction funds before those lease terms are finalized.

Several commissioners supported returning with a public informational item and an update timed to county lease negotiations; one commissioner asked that the consultant work continue to complete the concept plan so the board and the public could evaluate concrete design and lease alternatives. The board approved the informational request (roll call recorded a majority of yes votes). Staff said the consultant work to produce the concept plan will continue and that lease negotiations are expected to proceed next spring.