Fair board seeks electronic sign for Fallon County fairgrounds; gate design and timing deferred

Jennifer, representing the fair board, met with Fallon County Commissioners to discuss installing an electronic display sign at the fairgrounds’ front entrance and altering the entrance gate design.

The fair board said it prefers an electronic sign and has asked vendor Neil to prepare revised drawings that combine elements from two previously proposed designs; the board also asked that gate pricing be removed from the current quote while the design is revised. Commissioners asked whether the sign and gate would conflict with potential future fairground projects, citing possible large grants that could lead to building additions near the exhibit hall.

Commissioners and the fair board discussed technical and operational concerns: power availability for an electronic sign; whether the gate would need to open fully to allow carnival and vendor access and emergency vehicle access; the durability of gate and masonry features in high wind and extreme cold; and whether the sign’s size and location would remain appropriate if fairground layouts change. One commissioner noted a prior quote of about $32,000 for the electronic sign alone and said combined sign-and-gate work could total $40,000–$50,000 when including site work and concrete.

Because designer Neil had not provided the revised drawing and updated pricing, commissioners agreed to table the decision and asked staff to return the item to a future work session with the revised drawings, separate sign pricing (no gate), and updated cost estimates so the commission could take final action.

No formal procurement or contract award was made at the meeting; the item was deferred pending the designer’s drawings and an updated quote.