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Residents urge Limestone County not to lease Shellhorn show barn, citing youth programs and safety
Summary
Public commenters told the Limestone County Commissioners Court that leasing the county show barn (the Shellhorn) could limit youth access, compromise volunteer-run shows and worsen maintenance and safety problems; speakers also said the shows generate local economic activity and contribute fees to county coffers.
Unidentified residents urged the Limestone County Commissioners Court to reconsider leasing the county show barn known in public comment as the Shellhorn, saying the facility supports youth development, relies on volunteer labor and currently faces maintenance and safety issues.
"I am here to ask you to reconsider the leasing of the Shellhorn," an unidentified speaker said during public comment, arguing that leasing the facility to an outside entity could leave local youth without access. The commenter said volunteer fair-board members hold full-time jobs and that reliance on jail trustees for event staffing is limited by certification requirements, raising operational concerns.
Another commenter named Kevin Spring as a local manager with experience setting up arena events and working equipment, but speakers also pointed to unresolved maintenance needs: broken water lines, a wobbly fan that could fall, electrical relay problems and a recently installed 200-amp plug whose funding was not clarified. "When you run the fans, it trips the lights," one commenter said, urging the court to clarify who would pay for insurance and regular upkeep if management changes.
Supporters of equine and youth programs emphasized personal and economic benefits. An organizer said the shows bring multi-day visitors from other states and paid, "The kids during their shows have contributed over $60,000 back to this county in fees to the facility for the shows they produce." Speakers described the programs as opportunities to teach teamwork, responsibility and leadership to young people who might otherwise lack structured activities.
Court members did not enact a separate decision on the Shellhorn during the public-comment period. The court continued with its agenda, while several commenters asked that the facility remain available and be maintained so youth programming can continue.
The court's next steps on management or leasing of the Shellhorn were not specified in the recorded discussion.
