Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission delays decision on Oak View Group management after extended debate
Summary
After criticism from several commissioners about late financial reports and perceived disengagement, Oak View Group defended its recent work and said finances are now current; the commission took no action and will consider RFP/non-renewal at a future meeting.
Commissioners debated whether to renew the management contract with Oak View Group (OVG) for the Curry County Events Center and Fairgrounds. Commissioner Seth Martin and others criticized past delays in financial reporting and expressed frustration with perceived gaps in service; OVG representatives disputed those characterizations and described recent corrective steps.
Kevin, OVG’s district general manager, told commissioners the company has waived corporate incentives to provide additional support, said a regional finance director has brought the center’s financials current, and highlighted year‑to‑date revenue growth (OVG reported roughly $516,000 gross revenue year-to-date, higher than the prior year) and a reduced net loss compared with earlier periods. Kevin asked the commission for continued partnership while OVG fills key positions and finds the right general manager.
Commissioners raised timing concerns: an RFP process or non‑renewal decision timed around the fair could leave too little runway to transition management. Legal advised against taking immediate RFP or nonrenewal action in open session; commissioners agreed to schedule a future agenda item to consider non‑renewal or issuing an RFP and to seek proposals and additional information before taking contract action.
The commission voted to take no action at this meeting. Several commissioners urged better communication, more staff support at the venue and a clear plan for a general manager position whether OVG remains the operator or a new manager is selected.
What’s next: The commission requested a future agenda item to consider issuing an RFP or non‑renewal and asked county staff and OVG to collaborate on a recruitment plan for a general manager and a timeline that would protect the upcoming fair operations.
