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Fair Board’s proposed Venmo option prompts security and fee questions
Summary
Board members discussed whether Fair Board and concession stands should accept Venmo or similar tap-to-pay payments, raising ease-of-use and small processing fees (~1.9%) against concerns about account exposure and whether the county would be tied to personal accounts.
During general business the board spent an extended exchange discussing whether to allow Venmo or similar tap-to-pay systems for Fair Board concession stands and related events. One participant said they are not a Venmo user and asked whether offering Venmo would expose the county financially if it were attached to a county account; staff and other board members said they did not know of an immediate exposure but recommended checking with the bank and county procedures.
Members also discussed practicalities: several speakers said the systems are easy to use and that younger patrons prefer them; one board member cited an approximate processing fee of 1.9%. Concerns were raised about who would manage the account, whether fees would be passed on to customers, and whether the Fair Board or concession groups were required to report or file taxes; staff said fair boards typically do not file income taxes themselves.
The board did not take a formal vote on payment methods during the provided transcript; members asked staff to look into the details and follow up with vendor or bank guidance before adopting a county-linked payment option.
