Committee approves Farm Bureau fair-park food-stand expansion, subject to permits and facilities review

Washington County staff and the Washington County Farm Bureau presented a proposal July 17 to expand the Farm Bureau food stand at the fair park by approximately 351 square feet; the committee approved the expansion subject to review by facilities and the Agricultural Industrial Society (AIS) and required permits. Jamie Ludovic (chief community development officer) said the addition is roughly a 351-square-foot bump‑out estimated at about $80,000 and intended to move the hood and create more usable interior space. The Farm Bureau would construct the work and the structure would become county property under existing agreements; Ludovic said committee approval is required to accept such a donation and that facilities staff will review materials, paint and other details. Staff said utilities must be relocated for the expansion and that the county executive is proposing to use available Fair Park infrastructure funds (debt proceeds allocated for Fair Park projects) to assist with utility relocation. Ludovic said the facilities department would prepare a more detailed cost estimate and that the committee will receive a fuller report on Fair Park infrastructure spending and obligations in coming months. The committee moved and approved the request (motion by Supervisor Mary, second by Supervisor Pridemore in the meeting record) with the conditions Ludovic identified: facilities review, AIS input and completion of required permits. Staff said the Farm Bureau has a long-term lease and will continue day-to-day operations under existing agreements; major structural maintenance remains a county/facilities responsibility under the operating arrangement.