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Commission reappoints Fair Board chair after hours of public testimony
Summary
After extended public testimony both supporting and criticizing fair operations, Elko County Commissioners voted to reappoint Tony Bazzetti to the Fair Board and required adherence to open‑meeting rules and an extended application period for other vacancies.
The Elko County Commission voted to reappoint Tony Bazzetti to the county Fair Board, concluding more than an hour of public comment that ranged from staunch endorsements to calls for organizational reform.
Bazzetti, who said he has served on the fair board since 2006 and has been chair for several years, told commissioners he intends to step back from the Livestock Committee if reappointed and to pursue operational changes. "I've served on the Elko County Fair Board since 2006 ... I try to walk the line of keeping with tradition and looking for new ideas," he said. Supporters including fair volunteers and longtime collaborators urged the commission to keep experienced leadership in place, while parents and livestock exhibitors urged clearer bylaws, better communication and stronger checks on subcommittee decision‑making.
Commissioner Rex moved to reappoint Bazzetti to a four‑year term conditioned on compliance with open‑meeting laws and an extension of the application deadline for remaining vacancies. The motion carried after debate over whether to postpone the appointment to allow more community recruitment. The commission also clarified that the appointment is to the board as a member; the fair board itself will determine its officers. Commissioners said they expect follow‑up at the next fair board meeting and urged more transparency around committee actions.
The public testimony included a range of views: Justin McDermott, vice chair of the fair board, said the fair could not run without Bazzetti's experience, while several parents urged reorganization of the livestock committee and better use of volunteer input. "Whatever direction you decide to go with the appointments ... I would highly encourage you to organize so parents and leaders have some method to approach and have some ability to communicate," said public commenter Logan Sampson.
The commission instructed staff to circulate guidance on open‑meeting requirements to the fair board and to ensure the board conducts contracts and major decisions in accordance with county policy.
