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Residents urge county to protect $250,000 fairgrounds grandstand grant as staff changes loom
Summary
Speakers at the Columbia County commissioners meeting urged officials to preserve a $250,000 state grant for East Grandstands renovation, warning staff turnover and insufficient design funding could imperil the project and asking the county to ensure grant-writing capacity.
Julia Mead, president of Friends of the Fairgrounds, told Columbia County commissioners the county was awarded a $250,000 grant for renovating the East Grandstands but she fears the project could be dropped as county staff change.
"That money is to be spent by May 2027," Mead said, urging the board to ensure someone with grant-writing and administration capacity is in place. Mead also noted a consultant had been selected for design work and that the project aims to retain the grandstands rchitectural integrity while upgrading the structure to meet ADA standards.
At the public microphone, Betty McCreaders said the demolition derby and other fair events draw visitors and local spending, and that lack of seating and facilities could threaten those returns. "The demo derby is very important because it helps bring all those cars to date," McCreaders said, urging commissioners to keep the project moving.
Staff and commissioners clarified that the grant was awarded to the county and that an RFQ for design had produced a consultant under scope-and-fee negotiation. Engineers and staff estimated design and engineering could cost roughly $80,000—60,000, leaving limited dollars from the $250,000 for construction; commissioners and staff said additional construction grant funding would be required to complete the renovation.
Commissioners said they intend to refill the facilities manager position and to keep an eye on the project while that recruitment proceeds. Staff noted there may be a separate small state design grant to cover some engineering costs but confirmed project timelines and remaining funding were still being worked out.
The public speakers asked the county to keep community groups informed while staff transitions continue. The board did not take a final funding action during the meeting; staff said they would report back as consultant scope-and-fee negotiations and design estimates firm up.
