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Fair Board seeks OK for staff role swap and explores new barn at Carter County fairgrounds
Summary
The Carter County Fair Board asked commissioners to approve a swap so Johnny would resume duties as secretary and Jimmy Sparks would move to an hourly temporary role; the board also presented a roughly $190,600 vendor estimate for a 75-by-200 metal barn and discussed phased construction and site needs.
Representatives of the Carter County Fair Board presented two near-term requests to the Board of Commissioners: approval to change staffing arrangements for the fair secretary role and informal direction on pursuing a replacement or consolidated barn at the fairgrounds.
A Fair Board representative described the staffing proposal, saying Jimmy Sparks "has talked about resigning" and that the board had discussed a swap so Johnny would return as secretary and "Jimmy would stay on to basically take over or keep calling judges and superintendents." Commissioners asked whether the change required public advertising or HR review and whether benefits would apply. The board said Johnny is already on payroll and Jimmy currently receives a set fee; they proposed converting Jimmy to an hourly temporary role.
The board also presented a vendor estimate for new construction for planning purposes. One presenter cited a preliminary quote for a 75-by-200 steel-framed building at $190,626.75 and discussed a phased approach (starting with a 75-by-100 section and adding later). Commissioners and fair representatives reviewed siting, water and electrical needs, wash-rack drainage, pen counts (24 beef pens were noted), and concerns about dust and air flow in enclosed buildings. Sanitary and drainage rules for wash racks and any septic/drainage requirements were raised; commissioners advised the fair board to consult the county sanitarian before proceeding with design or bids.
On the staffing item, a commissioner moved and another seconded to approve the role swap as outlined by the fair board. The chair called for public comment; none was offered. The motion carried. Commissioners asked the fair board to assemble a more detailed plan (estimates, site plan, drainage and sanitary review) before releasing bids or moving forward with capital work.
The presentation also included discussion of portable shade frames, possible concrete pads for event use, storage container (Canex) options, and whether to add RV hookups or power along the north fence. Commissioners cautioned against the county competing with local concession or campground businesses and suggested any utility expansion include an operational plan for policing and management.
