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Marion County approves ordinance allowing designated smoking areas at state fairgrounds
Summary
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved a revision to Marion County Code Chapter 8.40 to permit designated smoking areas on the state fairgrounds during the Marion County Fair; the Marion County Health Department opposed the change, but commissioners said the move will align county rules with State Fair practice.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance revising Marion County Code Chapter 8.40 on Jan. 6 to allow designated smoking areas on the state fairgrounds during the Marion County Fair. Commissioner Sam Brentano moved the measure and Commissioner Kevin Cameron seconded; a unanimous voice vote carried the ordinance on its second reading.
County staff Tamra Goettsch and Dylan Wells presented the update as a measure to standardize county policy with the State Fair’s existing practice. Staff said the change is intended to make fair rules clearer for attendees, could encourage greater attendance, and that the county’s budget would cover additional signage to mark designated smoking areas and inform visitors where smoking and vaping are permitted.
During board discussion staff noted that the Marion County Health Department opposed the ordinance. Commissioners discussed the tension between the county’s broader direction to reduce smoking on county property and the goal of matching State Fair policy to avoid confusion for fair visitors.
The ordinance is a revision to Marion County Code, Chapter 8.40 (Smoke‑Free and Tobacco‑Free County Property). The record does not specify implementation dates beyond adoption at second reading; staff said they will work with the Fair Board, event coordinators and county staff on enforcement and signage.
The board adjourned the session at 9:43 a.m.
