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Putnam County Commission OKs $1-a-day rent for Fair Board for up to 22 days in 2025
Summary
After extended debate, the Putnam County Commission voted 14-10 to allow the Putnam County Fair Board to use the county fairgrounds for up to 22 days in 2025 at a rental rate of $1 per day; utilities remain the board's responsibility and the arrangement is for this year only.
The Putnam County Commission voted 14-10 to let the Putnam County Fair Board use the county fairgrounds for up to 22 days in 2025 at a nominal rent of $1 per day.
The action, taken after more than an hour of discussion, applies only to this year and covers the fair’s main 10-day run plus additional events the fair board holds, a total the commission identified during debate as 22 days. Commissioners emphasized that utilities and other operating costs remain the fair board’s responsibility.
The measure began as a request from the fair board to abate annual rent. Commissioner Dunn, who placed the item on the agenda, said the fair board “works tirelessly 12 months out of the year for that 10 day fair” and argued the organization provides a community benefit. Commissioners debated whether to grant a full rent waiver or set a nominal fee to preserve the county’s tenant-landlord relationship.
Commissioner Williams proposed — and later expanded — an amendment to limit the rent relief to a set number of days and to charge $1 per day. Kathy Reimer, representing the fair board during the meeting, explained the spring carnival uses only the midway and the board conducts additional smaller events; a fair board representative said the fair’s typical year includes the 10-day fair plus a horse show and other events, totaling roughly 22 days.
Fair board members and commissioners also discussed the organization’s finances and operating costs. A fair board speaker said one fundraiser, “Christmas at the fair,” had lost $13,954, while the fair overall made $8,646 in the same reporting period and the board maintains a “very healthy fund balance.” Commissioner Bradford asked about utilities, saying he had heard they were “$18,000”; fair board representatives said they pay utilities.
Commissioners stressed the change is for 2025 only and that the commission will revisit rental and fee policy once the new fairgrounds and expo center are in regular use. Several commissioners urged creation of a tourism-led or ad hoc committee to set long-term fee schedules for the new facility.
The final vote on the amended motion — permitting 22 days at $1 per day for 2025 — carried 14 in favor and 10 opposed.
