Fremont County commissioners on Tuesday voted to rescind a prior decision to shrink the Fremont County Fair Board from seven seats to five after repeated public pleas to keep the larger board.

The decision came after an extended public-comment period during which 4‑H members, FFA students, former exhibitors and volunteers described the fair board as essential to youth development and community events. Chase Taylor, a county rancher, presented a petition with 566 signatures asking the board to reverse the change. “By reducing the board from 7 to 5, you put an even larger workload on these members who already worked tirelessly to make the fair happen,” said a public commenter during the hearing.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the change was prompted in part by difficulty recruiting applicants and concerns about liability and governance. But speakers representing teachers, barn superintendents and young exhibitors argued the reduction would cut youth voice and increase burnout among unpaid volunteers.

What happened: A commissioner moved to rescind last week’s motion that reduced the fair board; the motion was seconded, debated, and carried. The board then voted to close the current application period, deem prior applications void, and re-advertise openings so the county can follow its recruitment policy and interview prospective members in January.

Commission discussion emphasized two themes: accountability to constituents and the practical challenge of finding enough qualified applicants. One commissioner urged petitioners and other concerned residents to consider applying themselves: "If you're adamant about it, then stand up and be a part of it and make changes," a commissioner said during debate.

What’s next: County staff will re-open recruitment, advertise for board applications under established policy, and schedule interviews in January. Commissioners said they will appoint members after following the advertised selection process.