Polk County commissioners place 15¢ per $1,000 fairgrounds levy on May ballot

Polk County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to place a five-year local option tax of 15 cents per $1,000 on the May 13, 2025 ballot to fund upkeep and improvements at the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center.

The measure, described at the hearing as an operating levy limited to the fairgrounds, is intended to address immediate infrastructure problems—such as electrical systems, pavement and exterior repairs—and to support long-term master-plan work and expanded year-round use, commissioners and supporters said.

Dr. Tim Ray, a member of the Polk County Fair Board and a resident of West Salem, told the board the fairgrounds "does an amazing job for our county" and said the operating levy would provide "a small infusion of dollars" to help with upkeep, maintenance and improvement. The board also read written testimony from resident Lina Califf emphasizing the fairgrounds' role in community events and emergency response, saying power outages and limited lighting have hampered use during evacuations.

At the public hearing, one commissioner recalled the facility's role during recent fires, saying the fairgrounds' central location proved "invaluable" for families, animals and community support. The commissioner said the proposed levy would allow the county to "keep that and update it" and highlighted wiring, pavement and building exteriors among priorities.

A commissioner moved that the board "adopt and move forward on the operating levy authorizing for the fairgrounds event center with a local option tax of 15¢." Another commissioner seconded the motion. County staff member Mr. Hansen told the board he would prepare the official ballot title and related forms, noting word limits for the ballot materials: a 10-word title limit, a 20-word simple definition limit and a 75-word statement for the body of the measure. Mr. Hansen said those materials would be submitted to the clerk in time to meet filing deadlines and that the measure will appear on the May 13 ballot.

The board voted, with commissioners responding "aye" three times; the chair announced the motion passed unanimously and closed the public hearing on the local option tax.

Next steps listed at the meeting were preparation of the formal ballot title and filing with the clerk; staff said the measure would be placed on the May 13, 2025 ballot if deadlines are met. The board did not adopt a detailed funding allocation during the hearing; commissioners and fairboard members said a list of proposed first-four-year projects exists and would be available as part of outreach if the measure is advanced.