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Chair Tom outlines fairgrounds capital needs: digital billboard, 350 stall replacements and new shoot seats
Summary
Chair Tom presented the Parks Board’s FY27 fairgrounds capital priorities, citing aging stalls (about 350 at ~$2,500 each), a proposal to replace an arena billboard with a digital scoreboard (roughly $180,000–$187,000), and optional shoot-seat and rodeo-office remodels that could cost millions.
Chair Tom told the Parks Board that the fairgrounds’ tax income request is down about 2% from last year while capital requests have dropped roughly 30% overall. He said the board has increased some event prices and that fair revenue is “very good,” noting the rodeo had sold over $11,000 in evening junior-relay tickets since May 1.
Tom prioritized three capital needs. First, the arena billboard needs replacement; he said a digital billboard that could integrate with the replay screen and advertising would cost "about 187" (described in the packet as approximately $187,000 and discussed with a target of roughly $180,000 as a possible negotiated price). Second, he highlighted deteriorating animal stalls: "the stalls are about 2,500 a stall and we've got about 350 of them that need replaced," and said the current repair approach (replacing panels piecemeal) will not be sustainable long-term. Third, Tom said the rodeo office (built in 1953) and the shoot seats are aging; he estimated that remodeling the office alone could be about $2 million, with shoot seats adding another roughly $2 million if done together.
Tom told board members the shoot seats and an improved replay capability would likely boost attendance and advertising revenue even if the scoreboard or seats would not pay off in the first five years. He said the fairgrounds has limited ability to cut more from operations given rising costs for steel, repairs and fuel.
Board members asked for specific costing and grant possibilities. Tom said the sign grant application (for electrical and sign work) is pending; two other grant applications this spring had been denied. He also noted the perimeter chain-link fence with privacy slats is failing in spots and estimated full replacement at about $500,000, though he suggested phasing that work in 60–70-foot segments.
The presentation closed with Tom saying the board had tried to keep the budget conservative and had trimmed requests where possible while maintaining critical maintenance and safety work. The board did not take any formal vote during the presentation; members asked clarifying questions about the numbers and funding sources and thanked Tom for the overview.
