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Board reauthorizes festival use of convention center grounds; members press for repairs and a generator
Summary
After motions to rescind and reconsider, the board re-authorized use of the Washington County Convention Center grounds for a multi-day festival in September and directed staff to require repairs, address parking-lot holes, and arrange a generator to protect county systems.
The Washington County board voted to re-authorize use of the county convention center grounds for a multi-day festival in September after members discussed logistical risks and facility conditions.
Members raised specific operational concerns: potholes in the parking lot, insufficient power capacity for additional RV hookups, and the need to avoid overloading building circuits from festival sound systems. One member said, “You’re gonna burn something up if you don't burn the building down,” emphasizing the risk of relying on the convention center’s existing electrical service without a dedicated generator. The board noted that last year the county provided $5,000 to support RV hookups and asked staff to consider whether additional costs for power and maintenance should be required of the event organizers.
Board members moved to set parameters for the authorization, asked staff to verify addresses and contracts, and directed staff to coordinate required upgrades with county maintenance and outside partners. The board’s re-approval included the caveat that the conflicted member not participate in related deliberations or votes.
