Council accepts $100,000 donation as fairgrounds rebuild continues; insurance and county support remain uncertain

Fair City councilors reviewed progress rebuilding the fairgrounds after a fire and unanimously accepted a $100,000 donation from Emery County to fund show rings and pens.

Council presenters said the city has received an initial insurance payment of $1,100,000 to start work and that the insurer told officials they will be made whole if the city rebuilds roughly the same square footage; the insurer warned the city could be liable for any larger-than-necessary expansion. The council also reported a design and cost estimate from Jones and DeMille that put reconstruction of the prior footprint near $3,900,000, and the presenters said two separate contractor bids and subcontractor estimates came in similar to that figure.

Officials said Emery County’s railroad department agreed to remove and haul away fire-damaged structures at no cost, reducing early demolition expense. Council members described current plans to rebuild a covered arena approximately 230 feet long and (as discussed) about 20 feet deep in the same footprint, with a larger pig barn (reported as growing from 68 by 75 feet to about 90 by 75 feet) and added drainage and wash racks. Presenters listed material and equipment targets: about 44 pig pens, roughly 75 sheet panels, 50 12-foot cattle panels (6 feet tall) and two “bubble gates.”

Speakers said the county’s tourism/travel-tax funding (referred to in the meeting as TRT money) was a potential additional source but that county officials had not finalized allocations. Meeting presenters said the county had previously indicated up to roughly $750,000–$1,750,000 might be available for tourism-related projects, but council members warned that opening the application to other towns could reduce any award; the exact amount available to the city was described as not specified.

Discussion at the meeting also included community concerns about communication between the stock show committee and city staff. Stock-show leaders said they want to be included in planning and warned about rumors and misinformation; council members said the goal is to rebuild a facility that serves both the show and broader community needs. The presenters reiterated a target to have the fair and stock show back in the fairgrounds in 2026.

Formal action: Council member Morgan moved and council member Staller seconded a motion to accept a $100,000 donation from Emery County for show rings and pens. The chair called for the voice vote; the motion carried (recorded as "Aye. Motion carries.").

No additional ordinances or binding contracts were enacted at the informational meeting; council members said they will continue to collect bids and refine plans to maximize insurance recovery and to pursue county and other funding sources.