New Bradford County Fair Association adopts temporary executive structure, will revise charter and bylaws

The Bradford County Fair Association voted to form an executive board with short-term officer terms and to use the existing charter and bylaws as its governing documents while members work on a long-term revision.

During the meeting, participants debated whether to adopt three- or six-month interim officer terms. After discussion, the association approved a motion to install an executive board with a three-month term for officers to get the organization operational. "We've gotta get it up off the ground," said one supporter during nominations, and the motion passed with members verbally indicating assent.

Meeting participants reviewed the packet of bylaws that had been supplied; an event staff member said the bylaws and charter in the packet were the documents "that were approved by the previous fair association." Scott, a county staff representative, told the group that the county commissioner had signed an agreement with the previous association describing some appointment authority and that changes to the charter would need to follow the proper steps.

The group conducted nominations for officer positions at the same meeting. Multiple members were nominated for vice president, treasurer and secretary; several nominees declined or asked for time to consider. The association agreed several times that all members retain voting rights and that the executive positions are intended to expedite near-term planning.

Members discussed open‑meeting (Sunshine) concerns. A member reminded the group that if an elected officer privately solicits votes or conducts selection outside a public meeting, that could constitute a violation. County staff advised caution and said the agreement with the county commissioners included language about prior arrangements for some appointments.

The board set regular monthly meetings for the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. and agreed to hold the next session in part as a site visit to the fairgrounds. The group also agreed executive-board members would meet briefly before the regular meeting to coordinate the agenda and keep larger meetings productive.

The meeting did not finalize a revised charter or bylaws; members agreed to review the existing packet and bring changes back for the full board to vote on. County staff and the extension office offered assistance to help the board align its governance with county agreements and open‑meetings rules.