Commissioners weigh buying dedicated tractor, staffing and fee rules to protect fairgrounds revenue

Commissioner Parker pressed the board to resolve recurring maintenance problems at the county fairgrounds, saying the county’s current tractor is undersized for arena work and that a larger, front-wheel-assist or four-wheel-drive machine is needed to avoid repeated repairs and to support expanding events.

"I think we need a full-time dedicated tractor out there," Commissioner Parker said during the discussion, arguing that a reliable machine and a consistent operator would make the site easier to rent and maintain. The board discussed options including adding weight or front-wheel assist to the existing tractor, retrofitting (which members described as expensive), or purchasing a larger machine; one commissioner cited a roughly $45,000 price point for a cab model as an example for budgeting purposes.

Road supervisor Juan told the board he would check contract and procurement schedules for aggregate and asphalt contracts and said he would review timing for equipment purchases and availability. Finance staff and the manager agreed to return to the board at the next meeting with budget lines and pricing options so the commission can determine whether there is cash on hand or whether the purchase must be deferred until after budget reconciliation.

Beyond the tractor itself, commissioners debated operational fixes for the dirt arena surface. Suggestions included trucking in river sand to lighten heavy clay, adjusting blade and ripper technique, and buying a larger tractor that could better handle wet conditions. Promoters and arena users said sand had improved performance at prior events.

The board also focused on revenue and enforcement: at one recent rodeo commissioners counted dozens of stalls in use while only a handful had paid. Commissioners agreed to pursue clearer contract language obligating promoters to collect and remit stall and RV-hookup fees, and attorney Van Fleck later recommended requiring promoters to post a deposit that would cover stall costs up front with an inventory reconciliation after the event.

The board did not authorize a purchase on the spot. Staff were directed to return with concrete quotes, an inventory of fairgrounds needs (including potential capital items such as awnings and additional RV hookups), and suggested contract language to ensure timely payment and promoter accountability. The manager and finance staff will report back at the next meeting with available funding options.