Fair board and commissioners spar over pig barn plans as county seeks short-term fix

Commissioners and Fair Board members clashed March 4 over plans for a replacement pig barn at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds, with county staff and commissioners arguing for a rapid, lower-cost metal building while Fair Board members urged a more deliberate design that addresses animal comfort and long-term needs.

The dispute surfaced during discussion of fairgrounds facilities at the commission’s regular meeting. Catherine Foss, Fair Manager, told commissioners the Fair Board believes the current Multi-Purpose Building was intended as a phase-one solution and that orientation, shade and wash-rack configuration are critical to livestock welfare. Foss said the board lacks sufficient funds to purchase the number of portable pens it needs and asked the commission, the Fair Board and Facilities Manager Jeremy Pouska to meet to coordinate next steps.

Pouska said he has phased plans for scale and wash-bay updates, has consulted the fire marshal and can manage utilities and demolition work so the fair can operate. Commissioners said a metal barn could provide an urgent safety fix this year and noted that earlier approvals were contingent on the Fair Board agreeing to use raised funds to buy pens. Commissioner Bruce Jolley described the metal barn as a “solution to fix the urgent problem” while acknowledging it is not the board’s long-term preference.

Fair Board members returned later in the meeting to reiterate frustration that they had not been consulted about proposed changes and questioned why an expansion of the Multi-Purpose Building was ruled infeasible. Kelly Mercer and Tracy Hailey said prior fair boards did not receive full information and that fair leadership needs clearer answers and collaboration with facilities staff.

The commission and Fair Board agreed to continued discussion; Pouska asked Road & Bridge to begin demolition work so construction can proceed if funding and approvals align. Foss said she will attend the state fair managers meeting March 19 and will continue to pursue phased solutions and possible donations of contractor equipment for lighting and site work.

An equipment decision announced at the meeting removed one potential obstacle: the Fair Board agreed to list a mechanical bull for sale at $13,500, including its trailer, to help raise funds for needed improvements. The commission did not take a final construction vote at the March 4 meeting and asked staff to return with coordinated plans and cost estimates.