Commissioners approve second fairgrounds building; contract of about $148,441 awarded

Clinton County commissioners voted on June 17 to approve a contractor quote to build a second replacement structure at the county fairgrounds, a step county staff and the Fair Council said was needed to avoid temporary infrastructure and to meet the fair schedule.

Fair Council representatives said the county tore down an old cattle barn and originally planned to use a single contractor for two new buildings; delays forced a change to two contractors so both structures could be completed before the fair. Commissioners heard a quote from FBI Buildings for about $148,441 to build the second facility and were told the alternative—completing only one building and using tents and temporary utilities—would cost almost as much while providing reduced functionality.

A commissioner asked whether the project would be ready for the fair; the council and Fair Council representatives replied they expected the building to be ready and mentioned July 1 as a target date for construction coordination and electrical work. The board approved the quote by voice vote; the clerk recorded the motion as carrying 3-0.

County staff said funds were available from the fairgrounds repair allocation and project budget to cover the contractor costs. They noted timing remains tight and additional electrical work must be scheduled, but the decision avoids the operational complexity of tenting and temporary power for fair events.

No amendments to the contract were recorded at the meeting; staff said they will coordinate final scheduling and utility work to meet the fair timeline.