Angelina County adopts Expo Center policies, sets new booking and fee rules

The Angelina County Commissioners Court approved a policies and procedures manual, rental agreement, price sheet and associated waivers for the Angelina County Expo Center following a presentation by Anita Scott, director for the Expo Center.

Scott told the court she and staff reviewed comparable venues and worked with the county attorney’s office to adapt standard language. "Our mission is to be the premier destination for agricultural showcases, equine competitions, rodeos, community events, and live entertainment, cultivating a sense of pride and togetherness," Scott said, reading the manual’s mission statement.

Why it matters: The manual formalizes booking rules, fees and operational responsibilities for county-run event space used by community organizations, promoters and commercial tenants. The changes are intended to reduce the need for the court to approve events case-by-case and to clarify financial and operational responsibilities for event holders.

Key changes Scott highlighted: - Booking fee and refunds: A $500 nonrefundable booking fee will replace a refundable security deposit, with a partial refund exception: if an event holder notifies the Expo Center in writing 120 days or more before the event, half of the booking fee will be refunded. If cancellation occurs more than 60 days but less than 120 days before an event, the booking fee is not refunded but may be applied to rescheduling. Cancellations 60 days or less before an event are nonrefundable and cannot be carried forward. - Barn and arena fees: Barn rentals are now priced at $250 per barn when the event is not generating stall rentals; prior pricing bundled barns with the main arena. Packing the arena dirt will be charged $250. - Admission and parking fees: For nonprofit event holders charging admission or parking, the Expo Center will charge the event holder $0.75 per ticket sold or per vehicle charged. For commercial promoters charging admission or parking, the Expo Center will charge $1.50 per ticket sold or per vehicle parked. Event holders may not charge attendees more than $10 per vehicle to park on site. - Cleanup and security: Cleanup fees will range from $200 to $1,000 depending on attendance; event holders may perform cleanup themselves. The Expo Center will not collect security fees; event holders will coordinate directly with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and pay deputies or officers for security services (Scott identified Lieutenant Ricky Connor and Danny Andrews as county contacts depending on event size).

Questions and procedure: The court asked whether ticketed parking and security checks would be the event holder’s responsibility; Scott said yes, those are duties of the event holder and the Expo Center will facilitate contact with the sheriff’s office for security needs.

Outcome: The Commissioners Court approved the policies, rental agreement and price sheet by motion and voice vote.

What’s next: The Expo Center will use the new manual and price sheet for future bookings. Scott said she provided originals of the signed documents to county staff.