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Young County approves arena rate increases, FY‑26 budget, five‑year capital plan and $125,000 county support
Summary
The Young County Commissioners on Friday approved new rental rates for the Young County Arena, adopted the arena’s fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement plan, and agreed to contribute $125,000 toward arena operations for FY‑26.
The Young County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Friday to increase rental rates at the Young County Arena, adopt the arena’s fiscal year 2026 operating budget and five‑year capital improvement plan, and contribute $125,000 from county funds toward arena operations.
The rate changes, which the court approved effective July 1, 2025, raise several line items by modest amounts to align the arena with comparable regional venues while preserving discounted or free access for specified community groups. "For all 4‑H, FFA and Young County Livestock Show events, they continue to use the arena at no charge," said Eric Griffin, arena representative, during the presentation.
The arena board presented a proposed FY‑26 operating budget that anticipates $701,000 in total revenue and a matching $701,000 in expenses. The revenue projection includes a requested $125,000 contribution from the Commissioners Court and a matching $125,000 grant from the Grama Economic Improvement Corporation. Major revenue lines highlighted by arena staff include $160,000 in stall (install) rental income, $95,000 in arena rentals and $75,000 in shavings fees.
On the expense side, the arena’s FY‑26 plan lists about $218,000 for personnel (three full‑time and one part‑time positions), roughly $137,000 for materials and supplies, $200,000 for contract services and $120,000 in capital outlay. The capital improvement plan includes projects already underway — such as installation of rubberized stall mats — plus a phase‑two leveling and stall work and parking lot patching and longer‑term parking repairs.
Commissioners said the increases were modest and designed to keep the facility competitive while allowing regular community use. Commissioner Riley moved to approve the rate schedule; Commissioner Craig seconded the motion, which passed 5–0. Commissioner Wiley moved to approve the FY‑26 operating budget; Commissioner Cresswell seconded, and that vote passed 5–0. The court approved the five‑year capital improvement plan and the $125,000 county contribution by unanimous votes as well.
During the discussion, Griffin noted that some revenue streams such as shavings are largely pass‑through (the arena buys and resells shavings), and that capital projects may shift if more cost‑effective repair options arise. Commissioners asked for clarification on specific line items and were told the arena staff would continue to refine estimates as projects proceed.
The court’s contribution is intended to seed operations for FY‑26 while the arena works to increase self‑supporting revenue over time. No additional conditions or implementation deadlines were attached to the contribution in the meeting record.
The arena board’s materials, approved rate sheet and capital plan were included in the commissioners’ packet; the court’s approvals conclude the items brought forward by the Young County Arena Board of Directors at this meeting.
