Polk County adopts 2026–2027 master fee schedule; fair board outlines rolling five‑year fee plan

Polk County commissioners adopted the 2026–2027 master fee schedule (resolution 2609) by unanimous voice vote on July 1 after a presentation from fair board members about proposed fee changes and a draft business plan.

Greg Hansen introduced the annual fee schedule and noted one change from an earlier packet: a planning appeal fee was held at its current level rather than increased. Fair board chair Tim Ray and board member Kelly Tinen explained the fairgrounds’ draft business plan, saying the board is considering a rolling five‑year fee table so bookings made years in advance reflect projected costs.

Ray described modest annual adjustments, noting most proposed rate increases are about 5% as a partial catch‑up for inflation after several years with little change. He said the plan also contains marketing ideas and small facility upgrades intended to make the grounds more marketable and justify higher rental values. Both Ray and Kelly said the plan assumes levy funding will provide infrastructure improvements that, in turn, support higher rental values.

Commissioners asked for comparables and recommended the fair board work with the Oregon Fair Association (OFA) or other counties to benchmark rates. Board members discussed deposit and contract language for long‑range reservations so that future rates can be adjusted without unfairly penalizing customers who book years in advance.

After discussion a commissioner moved to adopt resolution 2609; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.