Commissioners grant Patriot Community Center reduced-rate use of county fairgrounds for veterans events

The Board of County Commissioners voted to allow the Patriot Community Center planning committee and affiliated veterans groups to use Park County fairgrounds on Sept. 25–26, 2026, at a reduced rate of 25% of the normal fee to help cover cleanup and equipment costs.

Russell Stafford (speaker 9) and other veterans' representatives told commissioners they are increasingly using the fairgrounds for community functions — car shows, fundraising dinners and planned May events — and asked for relief from routine rental fees so they will not need to request permission for each event. Commissioners discussed policy: county staff noted a standard form and policy that permits a 50% reduction for nonprofits in some cases but usually treats fundraising events differently. Several commissioners said they supported a one‑time or event-specific waiver and expressed concern about setting a broad precedent. One commissioner proposed covering custodial and utility costs instead of waiving the full fee; staff suggested a 25% rate to offset cleaning and equipment use.

After confirming the applicants would cover custodial and equipment expenses and provide proof of nonprofit status when required, a commissioner moved to approve the Patriot Community Center/American Legion use of the fairgrounds on Sept. 25–26 at 25% of the normal charge; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff will document the request and billing details and advise the county clerk’s office of the reduced rate.

The board recorded the decision as a discretionary, event‑specific accommodation intended to support a locally focused veterans nonprofit while balancing consistency concerns for other nonprofit groups.