County staff outline fairgrounds finances, CIP and recommend task force to chart next steps

County staff gave a multi‑department presentation on July 9 reviewing the Fairgrounds’ facilities, stakeholders and capital improvement needs. Presenters included parks and recreation, facilities, grants and emergency management staff.

Key points: staff said the fairgrounds serve wide internal county needs (training, staging for emergency management, vehicle and SWAT training), public events, and private rentals. Heather (finance) presented fiscal numbers: for the full fiscal year 10/1/2022–9/30/2023 revenues totaled $267,780.92 (rentals ~$141,752; grants ~$126,000) while expenditures were $563,091.42, producing a net shortfall of about $295,310. Staff reported year‑to‑date FY figures showing revenues of about $177,315.84 and expenses of $233,349.70, a current deficit near $56,034.

Planned CIP work includes water/sewer improvements (to move off well service and add fire hydrants), a Fairgrounds Livestock Pavilion (FDACS grant referenced at $910,000 for design/site prep), pond expansion and electrical upgrades, plus an event center to replace the existing kitchen and increase multi‑use capacity. Daniel Loos (facilities) and Megan (grants) described grant prospects and timelines; staff noted some projects await CCUA (Peters Creek plant) and federal permits in support of roadway CIP work.

Commissioners discussed cost allocation, fee waivers for nonprofits and the Fair Association’s long history using the facility; one commissioner proposed forming a task force including Fair Association and Tourist Development Council representatives, county staff and commissioners to develop objectives, membership and a timeline. County attorney and manager staff suggested the task force return to the board with three recommended courses of action and timeline targets. No formal vote on CIP expenditures occurred that night; staff were directed to form objectives and bring a task force charter back to the board.