Lebanon moves forward on plan to buy 94-acre fairgrounds, starts master-planning and lease talks

Lebanon City Council members heard details Sept. 9 about the city's planned purchase of the Warren County Fairgrounds and a related community master-planning effort aimed at preserving fair and 4-H uses while pursuing new investment along North Broadway. City Manager Scott (last name not provided) told council the property totals about 94 acres and that the city and county are negotiating documents and leases needed to move toward a closing.

The city manager said council would purchase all of the fairgrounds except for a 7-acre parcel already purchased by Warren County with assistance from the Warren County Port Authority and aid to the Warren County Ag Society. "We will be entering into a minimum 10-year lease with the Warren County Ag Society," Scott said, and council has begun lease negotiations with the Warren County Harness Horsemen Association for 12 boarding barns and access to the practice/race track.

Why it matters: the fairgrounds host 4-H and agricultural events that city leaders described as core community assets, but officials said the current financial model is not sustaining facility needs. The city manager and council members said direct city involvement could unlock grants, expand non-fair events, and support new investment along the Broadway frontage while preserving fair-related programming.

Supporting details: Scott described the property in three planning areas: Area A (about 43 acres) containing the fair footprint and event center; Area B (about 23 acres) proposed for the harness horsemen, including the track and 12 barns; and Area C (roughly 20'22 acres) along North Broadway targeted for redevelopment to help the property's financial model. The city also intends to negotiate a new lease with the Track Kitchen restaurant and to retain the exhibit/welcome building on site.

Council members asked for realism about the timeline and potential obstacles. One councilor reminded colleagues that environmental conditions tied to historic uses could affect what is feasible, and several speakers warned the public should not expect immediate transformation. Scott said legal work is ongoing with the county, environmental investigations have been scheduled, and the closing timeline remains undetermined.

Budget and staffing: Scott told council that the draft 2026 operating budget includes funding to add "a full-time event management staff person and a full-time property maintenance staff person" to support city operation of the grounds if the purchase proceeds. He also said staff contracted a consultant to facilitate the master-planning process, which is set to start in October, and that staff have included funding for immediate facility improvements (electrical upgrades, fire-suppression code work and general building repairs) in the draft budget.

What council decided or directed: there was no vote to buy on Sept. 9. Council accepted the presentation and directed staff to continue negotiations with the county, the Ag Society and the harness horsemen, to proceed with the master-planning contract and schedule, and to include staffing and targeted capital line items in the 2026 draft operating budget for council review.

Community context: council members repeatedly emphasized preserving 4-H and fair uses while improving the financial sustainability of the property. Multiple speakers said they expect long-term leases and public engagement will be part of the process. Councilors also said they wanted to avoid creating an expectation that major changes would be completed quickly.

Looking ahead: staff expect the master-planning process to begin in October and will bring budget details and lease terms back to council as negotiations and investigations progress. Council members said they will continue public outreach so residents can take part in shaping uses for the property.