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Fair board and 4‑H/FFA representatives debate MOU language on bedding, fees and ribbons
Summary
Board and 4‑H and FFA representatives discussed a draft memorandum of understanding that would formalize building use, bedding and dry-camp fees, ribbon and premium funding, and responsibilities; the groups agreed FFA will be covered by a separate MOU and staff will continue negotiations.
Fair Board members and 4‑H and FFA leaders discussed a draft memorandum of understanding for OSU/4‑H relations and building use after the agenda was rearranged to allow OSU and 4‑H representatives to speak.
Lindsay told the board she had "skimmed over" the draft and had not fully read it. Jason (4‑H/FFA representative) said the intent was "to put into writing the relationship that we already have, not really making any changes," but he flagged several edits that changed historic practice.
Board members and youth-agriculture leaders debated three areas of particular concern: bedding/shavings for animal barns, dry-camp fees and premium/ribbon funding. On bedding, staff and board members described a year in which bedding usage exceeded past patterns; board members noted a donor (Brightwood) supplies a truckload annually and that unmonitored use had increased costs. Jason said 4‑H leaders were concerned about wording that would make 4‑H responsible for additional bedding purchases; board members urged clearer monitoring and contingency plans if donated bedding is exhausted.
On dry-camp fees, the draft MOU proposed the fairgrounds receive 20% of fees. On ribbons and premiums, the board said its current consensus was for 4‑H to cover ribbons and premiums going forward. "When I first came on the board ... I questioned it. Why is the Fair Board paying for ribbons when it's really a 4‑H play?" a board member said, summarizing the board's position.
Jason and other 4‑H/FFA participants also raised that the draft removed a request they had included for guaranteed building use with a 15–30 day cancellation notice; board staff said notice provisions remained but added an option to pay to retain a date.
There was agreement on several process points: FFA will be treated under the same guidelines as 4‑H but will be covered by a separate MOU; staff and legal teams will continue the working-document edits; and the groups acknowledged a need to resolve short-term operational items (ribbons, judges and any immediate purchases) even while the MOU is finalized.
Ending: Board and 4‑H/FFA leaders agreed to continue revisions and to finish a working version for ordering ribbons and confirming judges in time for this year's fair; staff will coordinate legal review and return a revised agreement.
