Decatur County APC approves rezoning at fairgrounds for new community building

The Decatur County Area Plan Commission voted to rezone roughly 2.79 acres of fairgrounds property from A-1 to B-3 to allow construction of a new community building that officials say will host a wide range of events.

Decatur County Commissioner Jeremy Hazel, who presented the petition, said the project is part of the state’s Ready 2 program and is intended to create a larger, year-round venue at the fairgrounds capable of seating about 600–650 people and accommodating large equipment such as tractors and semi-trucks.

Hazel said the building’s placement was moved to a northwest corner of the fairgrounds to reduce excavation costs related to a steep slope, and that utilities and existing drive access are already available near the proposed site. “We are building a new community building at the fairgrounds,” Hazel said, describing the structure as a multiuse facility that could host school functions, exhibitions and state-level tournaments in addition to fair activities.

Commission staff and Hazel told the commission the county already owns the primary building components and that the project’s total estimated cost is $4,000,000. Hazel gave the following funding breakdown: $1,950,000 from the state Ready 2 program, approximately $2,000,000 in local funding (about $1,200,000 committed from the commissioners and council) and an estimated $800,000 to be raised through a fundraising campaign and in‑kind donations. He said some in‑kind work and upgrades (for example, electrical work) will count toward the private match.

Hazel and other speakers described additional site work included in the overall plan: upgrading decades‑old electrical service across the fairgrounds, renovating restrooms, and improvements at the horse arena. Hazel said the commissioners have moved forward with contracts for survey work and that the project is expected to proceed through excavation and building phases once local approvals are complete.

Commissioners and staff also discussed continuing steps in the approvals process: the commission’s rezoning approval is one step, and Hazel said the county will seek the same approvals from the county council to secure Ready 2 funds. The commission approved the rezoning petition by voice vote.

Implementation notes: the county indicated the project will require the county council’s approval for funding release and additional administrative steps (surveys, contractor agreements, and permitting) before construction begins. County officials described the implementation risk as moderate because some elements depend on outside approvals and fundraising targets.

The commission approved the petition and directed staff to coordinate next steps; Hazel asked that project stakeholders remain in contact with county staff as the process moves to the council and contracting phases.