Fair board asks Caro City committee to amend camping ordinance for fairgrounds

At the Caro City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 6, 2025, Neil Jackson of the Tuscola County Fair Board asked the council to consider changes to the city’s camping ordinance as it applies to the fairgrounds. Jackson outlined the history of the Fair Board’s request and said the board pays for waste disposal, water and electricity for campers and runs camping during multiple events.

The request included descriptions of grants the Fair Board has applied for and potential uses, the locations and number of camping spaces at the fairgrounds and typical time frames that campers occupy those spaces. The presentation did not specify exact counts or grant amounts.

City Manager Scott Czasak said the city’s current ordinance governs the situation and that he intends to work with the city attorney on potential amendments. Czasak told the council he would keep members informed and provide further updates when more information is available.

Why it matters: changes to the ordinance could affect how the fairgrounds are used during events, who is authorized to camp there, and how utilities and liabilities are allocated between the city and the Fair Board. The council did not take formal action on the ordinance during the Feb. 6 meeting; the manager will return with proposed language or additional information for further consideration.

Next steps: Czasak will confer with the city attorney and bring any proposed ordinance amendments or recommendations back to the council for discussion and possible formal action.