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Scott County Fairgrounds asks Visitors Commission for $25,000; commissioners push for targeted marketing or discounted‑ticket plan
Summary
David Bruner, representing the Scott County Fairgrounds, requested $25,000 in operating support; commissioners said they are open to assistance but want dollars tied to marketing or a discounted youth bracelet program and scheduled a special meeting April 21 to decide.
David Bruner, a lifelong Scott County resident and member of the Scott County Fairgrounds board, asked the Scott County Visitors Commission on April 14 for $25,000 to help cover overhead costs for fair week, including restrooms, utilities and insurance.
"We are asking like we did last year the same amount. So, the first one is we are asking for $25,000 for to help with overhead costs," Bruner said during the commission meeting. He described the fairgrounds as a year‑round venue that hosts school events and regional attractions and said the fair typically turns a modest profit for the week but relies on outside support to remain affordable for local families.
Commissioners pressed for details on how previously provided funds were used and on receipts for the discounted bracelet program the commission funded last year. Fair representatives said discounted bracelets produced roughly $9,000 in reduced ticket revenue last year (about 900 bracelets at a $10 discount) and that some sales are tracked via credit‑card receipts at grandstand events.
Rather than approve an unrestricted subsidy, several commissioners urged earmarking funds for marketing or for a deep discount program to drive attendance. Commissioners discussed options such as reducing the bracelet price to a token fee (for example $1–$2) or running a free/very low‑cost children’s day; they also suggested more billboard and regional digital advertising to draw visitors from neighboring counties.
Commissioners asked the fair board to return with a more detailed budget that specifies how the commission’s funds would be spent. To allow time for that, the commission scheduled a special in‑person meeting for Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 a.m. to finalize any additional support.
Bruner said the fairgrounds would welcome longer‑term solutions, including transferring ownership to a public entity, but indicated the board currently needs operating help to keep ticket prices affordable for local families.
The commission did not take a final vote on a $25,000 appropriation at the April 14 meeting; members agreed they want clearer accounting and a defined marketing or discounted‑ticket plan before committing funds.
