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Old Spanish Trail Arena manager flags staffing shortages, stage maintenance and fire‑suppression work in 2026 budget
Summary
Angie Book, manager of the Old Spanish Trail Arena (OSTA), asked for funding priorities including an additional maintenance hire, travel for staff accreditation, equipment and repairs to a corroded fire-suppression pipe that may add tens of thousands to a capital project. She and county personnel discussed cost-sharing, stage recertification and a
Angie Book, manager of the Old Spanish Trail Arena (OSTA), presented the facility’s proposed 2026 budget to the Grand County Budget Advisory Board on Sept. 26, 2025, and described persistent staffing shortfalls, rising maintenance demands, and several capital needs that could require county funding or external grants.
Why it matters: OSTA hosts community events, ball leagues and regional equine competitions. Budget decisions affect public-safety preparedness for large events and the arena’s ability to host revenue-generating competitions.
Staffing and overtime
Book told the board her team is “extremely overwhelmed” and described staff burnout from weekend events and emergency responses. She said the arena had budgeted overtime in prior years but that ongoing extra shifts — for event setups, emergency responses and facility needs — are putting pressure on maintenance funds.
Personnel-services director Tess Farber (personnel services) told the board that a fully loaded new maintenance technician would cost roughly $104,000 including benefits; Book and board members discussed whether adding a full-time maintenance hire would reduce…
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