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Commission to revisit fairgrounds and community‑center rental rules after youth groups request equipment, reduced rates
Summary
Youth rodeo organizers and a dance instructor asked the Roosevelt County Commission for safer arena equipment, stall and alley access, and reduced or waived rental fees; commissioners directed staff and the county attorney to explore options and added fairgrounds use to a May 30 special meeting agenda.
Roosevelt County commissioners on May 20 heard multiple requests from local groups seeking improved access and lower rental costs for county fairgrounds and the Jake Lopez Community Center.
Representatives of the Little Wranglers Junior Rodeo Association — Payton Terry, Jared Eshleman and Kam Knight — told the commission the outdoor arena and support facilities need a tractor and rake for safe preparation, a dedicated alley/entry, and better stall availability. They asked that stall and outdoor arena access be included in indoor arena rental fees and that the county consider free or reduced rates for youth organizations to make the venue more usable and attractive to other groups. Kam Knight also noted different users have different needs, saying some local participants do not require overnight stalls while many out‑of‑town competitors do.
Instructor Jacqueline Cruz asked for free or reduced use of the Jake Lopez Community Center to expand Ballet Folklorico offerings to all ages while keeping the program affordable.
County Manager Annette Kirk said she supports including stalls with arena rental and is open to creating online reservations and payment options. She reported she has authorized overtime in the road department to deep‑break arenas for summer events and asked commissioners to put fairgrounds and building‑use policy on a May 30 special meeting agenda. Commissioners also asked County Attorney Randall VanVleck to examine options for non‑employee tractor drivers for arena maintenance before any contracts are drafted.
The commission did not take immediate action on the rental or fee requests but instructed staff to return with options at the special meeting set for 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, in the commission room. That meeting will also address the county budget deadline for the Department of Finance and Administration.
