Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fairgrounds prepares for busy season; trustees review rentals, rates and North Building options
Summary
Fairgrounds staff reported a busy event season, maintenance and roof planning for the North Building, discussed rental rates and potential revenue strategies (including RV hookups and sponsorships) and described plans to relocate a practice arena and upgrade grounds infrastructure.
Chaffee County fairgrounds staff updated commissioners on a packed event calendar, facility maintenance and a range of revenue opportunities tied to rentals, RV stays and sponsorships.
The fairgrounds manager reported a steady bookings pipeline: exhibitions, regional conferences, car and caravan rallies, youth events and summer rodeo/fair activities. Staff completed safety and infrastructure work including a retaining wall, conduit for electricity to the practice arena and concrete replacement at the extension office. Managers said preventive maintenance and roof replacement planning for the North Building are underway; material orders and scheduling are being used to secure pricing and timing.
Rates and revenue: staff provided a regional comparison showing the exhibit hall and ballroom rental rates in line with peer counties. The fairgrounds currently charges $5.50 per square foot for Exhibit Hall use (with nonprofit discounts that include staging, chairs and two wireless microphones). Staff recommended expanding a la carte fees (audio-visual, microphone rentals, set-up assistance) and pursuing event sponsors and recurring RV rallies to increase revenue; a small number of large rallies and RV hook-ups could materially improve operating cash flow, staff said. The commission asked staff to prepare a finance model to estimate debt-service coverage potential if the county pursues a North Building renovation and to explore better marketing for higher-margin regional events.
Operations and fair logistics: staff and commissioners discussed livestock panels, tents and the need to confirm exact needs for school/4-H animal handling at fair weigh-in; fairgrounds staff said they have base diagrams and would work with the livestock committee to produce a short list of panels/tents needed and a cost estimate for purchase or rental.
Ending: staff will return with a financial model for the North Building roof/renovation, a proposed a la carte price list and a recommended approach to RV events and sponsorship outreach ahead of the summer season.
