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Fair construction changed to clear-span; Fair Board members resign amid governance concerns
Summary
Commission approved changing a new fairgrounds multipurpose building to a clear-span design after Hunt Construction offered to donate the $2,774 cost difference. Fair Manager Catherine Foss and board members raised frustrations about budgeting and communication; commissioners accepted two resignations and discussed a work session to address governance.
The Big Horn County Commission agreed April 1 to proceed with a clear-span multipurpose building for the county fairgrounds after representatives from Hunt Construction said the change would improve multi-use flexibility.
Fair Manager Catherine Foss and Hunt Construction representatives discussed concerns that a non-clear-span building would limit pen configurations and multi-use events. Chris Hunt said the change to a clear span would add $2,774 to the quote but offered to donate that amount to save time and provide greater flexibility. Commissioner Deb Craft clarified the project will move forward with the clear-span change and Hunt confirmed the building floor will have a slight slope for drainage.
Foss raised additional operational concerns: a raw water line near the pig barn that Facilities Maintenance supervisor Jeremy Pouska recommended relocating to avoid the supply running under the slab, WIFI access at the multipurpose building, and fire suppression system maintenance scheduling. Pouska received commission approval to solicit three-year service for fire suppression inspections.
The meeting also exposed governance tensions within the Fair Board. Foss said the fair has earned $31,000 in advertising and asked how to access those funds and how budgeting should work. Fair Board member T. McKim said the board feels it is not an entity with decision-making ability and indicated morale problems; McKim said additional resignations are possible. Commissioner Dave Neves moved to accept letters of resignation from K. Mercer and L. Foss and asked the Fair Board whether it wanted to search for replacements or change the board structure. Commissioners discussed scheduling a work session to clarify budgeting processes and responsibilities.
No formal policy changes were adopted beyond the building decision and the accepted resignations; commissioners directed follow-up through staff and a potential work session.
