Spencer County enters six-month lease with Fair Board for Exhibit Hall to host youth sports

The Spencer County Fiscal Court voted Jan. 20 to enter a lease with the Spencer County Fair Board for the Exhibit Hall section of the fairgrounds' metal building at 895 Fairgrounds Road.

The lease, effective Dec. 1, 2025 through May 1, 2026, permits the county to occupy the Exhibit Hall for the purpose of holding youth sporting events. Rent is nominal ($1.00) and the Lessee (Spencer County Fiscal Court) agreed to pay actual electric, water and gas bills for the metal building; the Lessee also agreed to pay charges associated with installing a new waterline to the building. The agreement grants the county nonexclusive use of parking, driveways and walkways for Exhibit Hall access. The lease requires the Lessee to maintain the interior in a clean and sanitary condition, promptly remove garbage, and to accept the premises "as is" unless alterations are written and approved by the Lessor. The Lessor (Spencer County Fairboard) will maintain the building exterior, roof and foundations.

The county's motion to enter the lease was made by Magistrate Stump, seconded by Magistrate Cotton, and passed by voice vote. The lease requires Lessee to indemnify Lessor for claims arising from negligent acts and to maintain insurance naming the Lessor as an additional insured.

Why it matters: The agreement makes county-controlled space available to host youth sporting events without a significant rent charge, but it shifts interior maintenance obligations and utility costs to the county and obligates the county to pay for a new waterline installation.

The court recorded the motion to enter the lease and approved the agreement on the Jan. 20 docket.