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Grant County board weighs Fair Board's $500,000 building request; budget committee to meet with fair
Summary
Grant County Fair Board sought up to $500,000 for a replacement building; commissioners discussed phased funding, renting a tent as an interim solution, and directed the budget committee to meet with the Fair Board and report back with a recommended county contribution.
The Grant County Fair Board presented bids and a plan for a new building to replace an existing structure the board plans to remove this fall for safety reasons. The Fair Board representative described three bid options (concrete pad and erected steel building), a proposed 104×60 main hall with two 20×30 covered prep areas, and potential reuse of stainless‑steel kitchen fixtures; the presentation included a $500,000 request as the board's preferred option to deliver a completed building.
Commissioners expressed broad support for preserving the county fair but debated whether to fund the full request from reserves, phase construction, or underwrite a temporary tent solution in 2026. Several commissioners urged the Fair Board to pursue additional fundraising and private support; others said the county should at least provide a funding number promptly so the Fair Board can plan.
Action and next steps: The board directed the budget committee to meet with the Fair Board to review costs, staging (phased construction), potential bond or fundraising options, and to recommend a dollar amount for county contribution before the end of the year. The county auditor noted that while reserves exist, some fund balances are designated for other uses and cautioned the board to consider future obligations (wage study, highway needs) before committing large reserve amounts.
