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Committee approves temporary fair-week campsites and moves to bar third-party campsites in 2026
Summary
Administrators reported repeated issues with unauthorized camping at the fairgrounds; the committee approved a temporary campsite permit for fair week and discussed barring third-party campsite sales beginning in 2026, directing County Administrator Jesse Osmer to draft a policy letter.
The Facilities, Capital & Strategic Planning Committee on Wednesday recommended approval of a temporary campsite permit to allow additional temporary campsites during Alpena County Fair week and directed staff to pursue policy changes aimed at preventing third-party campsite sales in 2026.
County Administrator Jesse Osmer told the committee "there have been issues again this year with homeless campers at the fairgrounds" and presented three options: contracting with third parties to manage sites, invoicing third parties for damages, or prohibiting third-party purchases and requiring first-person purchases only. Committee discussion favored prohibiting third-party purchases beginning in 2026; Osmer said he will draft a letter stating the county will no longer allow third-party purchases for next season and bring it back to the committee for review.
The Fair Board and 4H asked the county to reissue a temporary campsite permit for fair week; Osmer said reservations opened early for Fair Board and 4H families and a waiting list exists. Commissioner Todd Britton moved and Commissioner Brenda Foumier supported a recommendation to obtain a temporary campsite permit for the Alpena County Fairgrounds to be used during the week of the fair. The motion carried.
Next steps: Osmer will meet with Fair Board President Courtney Tauriainen, 4H Coordinator Michelle Eagling and the Fairgrounds Manager to prepare details and return recommendations to the committee, and he will draft the letter directing the third-party purchase prohibition for the 2026 season.
