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Daggett County approves $14,750 rodeo contract amid debate over who will run Cow Country Rodeo
Summary
Commissioners approved a $14,750 contract with Broken Heart Rodeo Company to produce the Cow Country Rodeo and discussed whether the county should assume operational responsibility, create an event committee and formalize an annual events calendar.
Daggett County commissioners voted to approve a $14,750 purchase request and contract with Broken Heart Rodeo Company to produce the Cow Country Rodeo.
The vote followed an extended discussion about the rodeo’s future after the local Lions Club told commissioners it would no longer lead the event’s administration. Commissioners debated whether the county should formally take on production duties, how costs would be covered and whether to create a standing committee or board to advise and help run the event.
Why it matters: The Cow Country Rodeo is a longstanding local event. County leaders said approving the contract now would preserve the event this season while they clarify governance, funding and volunteer roles. Commissioners flagged risks of assuming full operational duties without a formal oversight group and noted county staff already administer other events.
Details of the vote and motion: A motion to approve the purchase request and the agreement with Broken Heart Rodeo Company carried with all commissioners voting in favor. The contract amount is $14,750; funding was discussed as coming from the county’s TRT (transient room tax) event fund, supplemented by sponsorships and ticket revenue where available. The motion was seconded and then approved by voice vote.
Discussion points: Commissioners repeatedly urged the establishment of a named committee or board to provide community oversight and relieve day-to-day burdens from county staff and elected officials. Commissioners and staff described the historical role of the Lions Club as handling contracting and logistics; with the Lions Club stepping away, those responsibilities would default to the county unless another partner or committee is identified.
Commissioners asked staff to: - Present a proposed events calendar or an annual packet of summer events for commission approval to reduce repetitive, ad-hoc agenda items; - Seek a list of potential committee/board members and return with a proposal on how the ranching/rodeo volunteer base and county staff would share production duties; and - Continue the current contract so the rodeo proceeds this summer while the county formalizes oversight and budgeting.
Funding and procurement: Commissioners confirmed the vendor procurement requirements were met and discussed that the contractor would be paid from TRT/event funds, with the county providing guaranteed funding as needed. Staff noted sponsorships and ticket sales were expected to offset some costs.
Next steps: Commissioners instructed staff to return with a proposed events calendar and to identify a committee structure or board for the rodeo before future contract renewals. The motion’s passage keeps the event scheduled while the governance questions are worked out ahead of subsequent meetings.
Ending: County staff and community members said they wanted to preserve the rodeo; commissioners agreed approval now avoided a possible cancellation while they establish clearer administrative procedures and volunteer/board support.
