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Commissioners debate changing arena rental to two-hour slots and adding fee for exempt-cabin permits
Summary
County staff proposed moving arena rentals from one-hour to two-hour time slots with a modest fee increase and adding a permit fee for exempt cabins; commissioners split on fee increases while generally supporting a fee for exempt permits to reflect staff time.
Rio Blanco County commissioners discussed proposed changes to fairgrounds fees and a separate fee proposal for exempt cabin permits in the county’s planning department.
Facilities staff proposed converting arena reservations from one-hour to two-hour blocks, charging $25 for two hours versus the current $10 per hour (a move that staff said most regular users already prefer). Proponents said two-hour blocks allow riders time to warm up and cool down horses and to clean up after use; staff described that one-hour slots often leave users with only about 30 minutes of effective ride time because time is spent saddling and unsaddling.
Opponents on the board objected to raising user fees at a time of budget uncertainty, describing the increase as poor timing and a potential burden on constituents. Commissioners suggested alternatives including improved time enforcement, staggered start times, or allowing users to reserve one or more hours as needed rather than changing the basic unit. No final decision was made; the board deferred a final resolution pending further discussion and potential constituent feedback.
Separately, staff recommended charging a fee for the existing exempt-cabin permit process because the department spends an amount of time equivalent to a building permit review. Commissioners expressed broad support for charging an administrative fee for exempt cabins but some said any fee changes should wait until the budget picture is clearer.
Ending: The board directed further discussion and outreach on arena rental timing and fee options; staff will continue to refine the exempt-cabin fee proposal and return with a draft fee schedule.
