Commission authorizes chairman to sign intent to purchase Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds

Williams County commissioners on Aug. 5 authorized the chairman to sign an intent‑to‑purchase document for the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds after the fair association indicated it would accept the county’s offer and its stipulations. County staff reported that the fair board’s written response accepted county terms, with one stipulation seeking assurance that the fair association would retain exclusive liquor‑service rights at the fairgrounds; county staff said that was the county’s intention. County staff said they will contact stakeholder groups that hold leases or use agreements at the fairgrounds to inform them of the approved intent and to coordinate next steps. The county intends to preserve current uses where feasible and to prepare a proposed budget for managing the property for the remainder of 2025 and for the 2026 fiscal year. Why this matters: Transfer of ownership of a major county facility will affect multiple user groups and require renegotiation or assignment of leases, operations contracts and service arrangements. County staff told commissioners they intend to make the transition "no harder, no different as best we can for anybody who's currently using space out there." What the board did: The commission voted to authorize the chair to sign the intent to purchase; commissioners also asked for follow‑up reporting on timing and budget implications. Next steps: County staff will finalize the purchase document with legal counsel and then reach out by phone to stakeholder groups to outline timelines and any proposed changes. Staff said they will present a budget for the purchase and operations at a future meeting once timing is clearer.