Park County OKs $131,000 fencing bid for fairgrounds after disclosure and recusal

Park County commissioners voted to approve a bid from Schaefer Fencing LLC to build a perimeter fence around the Park County Fairgrounds, with work to be completed by July 1.

The move aims to reduce animal escapes during events, improve emergency-animal-evacuation security and limit vandalism, commissioners said. The project bid came in at $131,000, below the roughly $150,000 estimate.

The county described the fencing as a hard perimeter with three entrance gates sized to allow large equipment to enter and exit. Jason (Public Works staff) said the enclosure is important because the fairgrounds have been used as an emergency evacuation site for animals and previous events had led to animals running toward the highway.

Commissioners noted recent vandalism and fires at the fairgrounds, including damage to a Connex container and 4-H equipment. One commissioner said a prior incident caused approximately $80,000 in damage and that insurance covered only part of the loss.

Commissioner Gimmer disclosed that a company with his family name bid on the project and recused himself from the vote. The board voted with two members in favor and one abstention; the motion carried, with the county clerk to finalize contracting.

The county intends to maintain public access while increasing controlled entry and exit to enhance security and protect fairgrounds assets.

The board also said the new gates and fencing will improve the presentation of the fairgrounds as part of ongoing upgrades.

Details: the approved contractor is Schaefer Fencing LLC; completion date set for July 1; bid amount $131,000; prior damage to fairgrounds estimated at about $80,000.

What’s next: staff will complete contract paperwork and oversee installation; commissioners said additional fairgrounds improvements are planned.