The Martin County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 2 approved a public purpose lease with the Martin County Fair Association for approximately 30.7 acres in western Martin County, with an initial 10‑year term and three optional 10‑year renewals (a 40‑year maximum term). Assistant County Administrator George Stokas presented the lease, which requires the fair to submit a site plan within six months and complete improvements within three years. Proposed improvements in an exhibit included at least 1,500 general parking spaces, 60 paved handicap spots, and new public restroom facilities.

Commissioners pressed staff and fair representatives on multiple concerns before the vote. Commissioner Vargas asked why the county had not recovered revenue from a past alleged lease violation in which the fair allowed a Buick dealership to use county property; fair representatives and staff said the association remedied the violation, that the county did not seek additional compensation at the time, and that the existing lease did not allow the county to claw back revenue generated while the association was a leasehold. The fair’s representative said roughly $21,000 was generated and used to support fair operations; Commissioner Vargas said that money belonged to Martin County taxpayers and urged more transparency.

Members also questioned provisions appearing in exhibit C (policies and procedures) that referred to overnight stays and camping. Commissioners expressed concern about an apparent inconsistency between the lease (which states no overnight camping except during fair events) and the attached procedures (which contained longer camping‑style language); legal staff and fair representatives said the exhibit reflected existing policies for the current site and that the lease governs and could be amended later when new site plans and policies are adopted. County legal staff offered to strike any references to camping in the policies and procedures if the board preferred to remove the ambiguity.

Several commissioners voiced support for the fair’s educational mission and the value of preserving a local fair; others said the lease needed clearer, tightened provisions on waste removal timeframes and utility/timing expectations. Commissioner Campey moved to accept the lease agreements as negotiated; Commissioner Hetherington seconded. The motion passed 3–2, with Commissioners Vargas and Hurd dissenting.

The final action authorizes the county administrator to execute the lease documents; staff said they would incorporate any ministerial clarifications and, if needed, return to the board to reconcile the policies and procedures exhibit with the lease to remove ambiguity.