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Commissioners waive Meeker fairgrounds fee for nonprofit Maker’s Skijor event
Summary
The Rio Blanco commissioners approved a one‑time waiver of fairgrounds fees (approx. $600) for the nonprofit Maker’s Skijor event, citing economic benefit and a proposed policy to limit future waivers to a first‑time exemption for new nonprofits.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a one‑time waiver of Meeker Fairgrounds rental fees for Maker’s Skijor, a nonprofit skijoring event, after hearing that the organization relies on sponsorships and that the event draws competitors and visitors who use local hotels and restaurants.
Organizer (identified in the record) explained the event's typical costs — including payouts, insurance and advertising — and said they have budgeted roughly $20,000 for the overall event and were quoted about $760 in facility fees for two days. Commissioners and staff discussed the equine herpesvirus (EHV) status for fairground access and contingency plans if facilities remained closed; the county’s recovery manager reported only one confirmed EHV case in Colorado and little local risk at the time.
Commissioners agreed to a policy approach often used previously: offer a one‑time waiver or donation for a kickoff event but make clear future requests will be treated under a formal waiver policy. The motion to waive the fee carried by roll call.
Next steps: staff to record the waived fee, note that the county may formalize a waiver policy for future events, and coordinate advertising or sponsorship recognition if the nonprofit includes the county in its event materials.
