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Bradford commissioners give consensus to explore buying fairgrounds note to avert foreclosure
Summary
County manager asked the board Feb. 20 to direct the chairman and county manager to pursue purchase of the note for the fairgrounds; commissioners gave consensus to begin negotiations to prevent possible foreclosure and preserve the Bradford County Fairgrounds.
Bradford County commissioners gave consensus on Feb. 20 to direct the board chairman and county manager to investigate purchasing the outstanding note for the county fairgrounds and to begin negotiations to prevent a possible foreclosure.
County staff told the board the purchase would be intended to preserve the fairgrounds as a public asset for Bradford County residents, not to turn the site into a county revenue enterprise. “I do not believe it's the intent of this board ... to acquire this property ... for any other reason than to save the fair for the kids,” a county official said during the discussion.
The topic followed a public comment by John Miller, who represented the Tourist Development Commission (TDC) and told the board the TDC had discussed whether the commission could help with professional management of the fair association or conference center. Miller said the TDC would be willing to consider a management role and to help with financing if needed.
Commissioners, county staff and the sheriff all described urgency. The sheriff urged prompt action, saying, “You better do it. Do it now and do it quick because other counties have lost it.” Several commissioners said the county would need a new management approach if it took control, including hiring staff experienced in operating fairs and scheduling events beyond an annual fair to make the site viable.
County manager staff said resolving the debt and ownership issue is the first priority; operational and management plans would follow. The chairman and county manager said they would continue negotiations and that a special meeting before March 4 remains possible.
Why this matters: commissioners said the fairgrounds is a longstanding county asset used for youth and community events. Several commissioners warned that failing to act could lead to a public sale and loss of the site. Board members emphasized that any county involvement would aim to preserve community access and protect the property from foreclosure.
Ending: The board recorded consensus to have the chairman and county manager pursue the debt/ownership issue; no formal ordinance or purchase agreement was adopted at the meeting.
