Polk County commissioners vote to place five-year fairgrounds operating levy on November ballot

Polk County commissioners on June 10 voted to place a five-year, 12 cents per $1,000 operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center on the November ballot after public testimony from fair board leaders and local residents.

Mr. Verance opened the hearing by telling the board that the session was required by law to gather public testimony on whether the county should put a local option operating levy before voters. "We're here today to consider whether to put on the ballot in November a fair local option tax," he said.

Dr. Tim Ray, chairman of the Polk County Fair Board, told commissioners the fairgrounds serves far more than the four days of fair, describing it as "a vital piece of our community" that hosts events year-round and functions as an emergency relocation center for area schools. He said the fair board believes the operating levy is the only way to keep the facility open.

John Swanson, who identified himself as a resident and commissioner-elect, said preserving the fairgrounds is "critical," and urged skeptics to consider the levy a modest measure to "keep the lights on." Kim Cummings, a local educator, said losing the site would harm youth organizations such as FFA and 4‑H and urged voters to pay attention when the measure appears on the ballot.

During board discussion a commissioner thanked staff, including budget officers Greg Hansen and Caitlyn D. Augustini, and moved to adopt Resolution 266 to place the levy before voters. Another commissioner seconded the motion.

A commissioner explained how the levy would affect homeowners, saying the county's average assessed home value is $247,000 and that "If you have a house assessed for $300,000, this levy is going to cost you $36 a year." Commissioners also cited the fair's financial and community benefits, mentioning an $800,000 youth auction used for college tuition and a conservative estimate that the fairgrounds generates more than $3 million in annual economic activity for the county.

The board called the vote; three members responded "I," and the motion carried, described by the board as "in spirit unanimous." Commissioner Pope was reported unable to attend. With the passage of Resolution 266, the levy will appear on the November ballot and the public will decide whether to approve the five-year, 12¢ per $1,000 operating tax for the fairgrounds.

Next steps include the county placing the measure on the ballot and the fair board and supporters preparing outreach and information for voters ahead of November.