Bonner County public commenters told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 they were concerned about the Fair Board’s hiring and contracting practices and asked for clarity on statutory authority and transparency.

What happened: Members of the public said they had observed the Fair Board hiring or contracting for services without public posting or competitive bidding in some instances. Commenters asked whether boards such as the Fair Board or newly active taxing districts may lawfully hire contractors or staff without the same procurement processes used by county departments.

Board response: Commissioners said several forms of local boards and taxing districts are governed differently under state statute and that a legal review is warranted. The commissioners requested a focused legal opinion clarifying where the Fair Board’s autonomy begins and ends, what procurement rules apply to that board, and how the Board of County Commissioners should interface with the Fair Board on spending and oversight.

Why it mattered: The Fair Board manages a county facility and public funds; public commenters said they want clearer processes for procurement and hiring to ensure transparency and consistency. Commissioners said the county will seek a written legal opinion and plans to report back on findings and any recommended procedural changes.

Next steps: County staff will request a legal review and return with clarifying guidance; commissioners said they intend to publish an update on the status of that review at a future meeting.