Woodson County commissioners and Sheep Auction representatives spar over lease language and proposed per-head fee

Woodson County commissioners discussed terms of a lease with the Fair Board and the Sheep Auction on March 24, focusing on water use language, a proposed per-head fee and the tax status of buildings on county property.

Jerry Sedlacek led the lease discussion and invited input from Sheep Auction representatives. Dale Lanham, representing the Sheep Auction, outlined alternative lease language addressing water usage and said the auction does not support a proposed $0.25 per-head fee. Treasurer Michelle Zimmerman warned that a fee could affect the county budget, and commissioners raised questions about whether buildings erected on county property and used by the Sheep Auction were currently subject to property tax assessments.

The discussion produced no recorded formal change to the lease in the minutes. Commissioners reviewed alternative language suggested by the Sheep Auction and flagged tax and budget implications for further consideration. The minutes show staff and representatives were present for the discussion but do not record a final direction or vote on lease terms or on the proposed per-head fee.

The item remains under discussion in the minutes; commissioners did not record a final action on charging a fee or on the tax status of buildings, and follow-up by county staff or a future agenda listing would be needed for a formal decision.