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Washington County Fair Board approves financial report as staff warns of tariff-driven cost pressures
Summary
The Washington County Fair Board approved its fiscal-year-to-date financial report (through March 2025). Staff projected a year-end balance, noted a $95,000 COVID grant, and warned that new tariffs and rising rental costs could increase fair expenses; many discretionary purchases will be deferred into the next fiscal year.
The Washington County Fair Board approved the financial report for fiscal year 2024–25 through March 2025 during its May 7 meeting and discussed budget pressures tied to tariffs and equipment rental costs.
Board members voted to approve the financial statements after staff reviewed the report and projections. Staff said the budget office projects a year-end balance of $678,902 and noted $95,000 in COVID-related grant funding included in the totals. Board members were told that the April financials were not yet closed and therefore not included in the packet.
Staff warned that tariffs and higher vendor charges are already affecting costs for fair supplies and rentals. The board was told that ribbon suppliers have notified customers of price increases of up to 145% because of tariffs and that equipment vendors are raising fees or adding surcharges. Staff said those increases are prompting contract renegotiation requests from entertainers and could force the fair to rent rather than buy equipment in some cases.
To reduce year-end spending, staff said the board will defer as many discretionary purchases as possible until after July 1 so expenses fall in the next fiscal year. Staff also said payroll, utilities and other unavoidable costs will continue to be paid in the current fiscal year.
The motion to approve the financial report passed by voice vote. The motion and second were not recorded by name in the transcript; one board member, Bill, was specifically recorded as signaling support during the vote.
Board members asked for no additional changes to the packet. The meeting then continued to presentations and reports.
