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Polk County holds public hearing on advisory levy question for Fairgrounds; decision set for Feb. 25
Summary
At a Feb. 11 public hearing, Polk County staff proposed asking voters whether they would support a local operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Dozens of vendors, 4-H families and residents urged support; some speakers urged clearer ballot language and more voter education before a May advisory question.
Polk County held a public hearing Feb. 11 to consider placing an advisory question on the May ballot asking whether voters would support a local option operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Greg Hansen, who introduced the proposal to the board, said the fairgrounds "is, fiscally losing money year after year after year" and has required general fund or grant support. He told the board the county has "over the last five years, spent approximately $1.617 million" on building maintenance and repairs and said the general fund cannot sustain those costs going forward. Hansen emphasized the advisory question itself "is not a levy" but a way to measure public support before any formal November levy proposal.
Speakers at the hearing were overwhelmingly supportive. Deb Pavelson, who manages the Oak Flea Market, said she had "never seen anything but great…
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