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Commissioners press Parks Board and fairgrounds users to fix roping barn and clean stalls
Summary
County leaders raised long-standing concerns about the roping barn and stall maintenance at the fairgrounds, citing unsecured doors, unclean stalls and subleased uses that violate agreements; commissioners said they will set a timeline and consider hiring help if users do not act.
Commissioners and attendees discussed longstanding maintenance problems at the county-owned fairgrounds and roping barn during the Oct. 21 meeting, pressing the Parks Board and current users to address safety and upkeep.
An unsigned letter and in-person remarks said the north door of the roping barn is off its track and flapping in the wind and that several stalls and building areas have not been cleaned or repaired for years. One commissioner described the building as "absolutely totally unsecure," warned of insurance exposure and said leases and subleasing practices were not being enforced.
Speakers who previously helped maintain the facility recounted repairs they performed, including reinforcing light poles and repainting corrals, and said that a small annual fee was not being matched by caretaking. Commissioners discussed scheduling a November meeting with Parks Board principals, setting a deadline for cleanup, and, if necessary, hiring someone to clean and repair the facility and then enforcing lease compliance.
The board emphasized the county retains ownership and liability for the property and said it will pursue either renewal of formal leases with clearer terms or bring the facility back under closer county control.
Next steps: Schedule a dedicated November meeting with Parks Board representatives, set a timeline for repairs, and consider hiring a contractor to do the initial cleanup if lessees fail to act.
