Commission adopts resolution clarifying Fair Board duties and appoints commissioner to fairgrounds design committee

The commission voted to adopt Resolution No. 2025-17, which sets the Torrance County Fair Board’s composition, minimum qualifications, two-year staggered terms, and enumerates the county’s and fair board’s respective responsibilities for running the annual fair. County Manager Jordan Barela said the resolution clarifies oversight, maintenance, utility payments, and long-term capital planning responsibilities for the county and establishes minimum expectations such as a livestock show, indoor exhibit hall, and at least one community activity.

Commissioner Kevin McCall moved with a small amendment to Section C requiring a fair rules/fair book; the motion carried. Barela said two Fair Board members had submitted resignations and the clarified term structure will allow the county to post and fill the remainder of those terms. The commission also appointed Commissioner McCall to serve on the fairgrounds design committee to provide Commission-level direction to Studio Southwest; Barela said design work is scheduled to finish by the end of May and a contractor RFP is out with a mandatory site visit scheduled the following day.

Commissioners emphasized the long-standing community role of the fair and encouraged broader volunteer engagement to expand programming beyond the junior livestock focus.