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Commissioners discuss louder rodeo music, consider decibel meters and sound-engineer review
Summary
Multiple residents and commissioners raised concerns that recent rodeo events and amplified music at the fairgrounds were louder than in prior years and carried into nearby neighborhoods; staff proposed exploring decibel meters, sound-engineer adjustments and contract language to limit noise.
Residents and commissioners told Park County on Aug. 20 that recent rodeo events and amplified music at the fairgrounds were significantly louder than in past seasons and that sound carried into East Side neighborhoods.
Commissioners and residents described persistent loud music that lasted until about 11 p.m. at a recent weekend event. "I could tell you every word that person said at the rodeo," one commissioner said, noting multiple complaints. Residents said the volume felt higher this year and suggested that new speakers or speaker orientation may be causing sound to carry farther.
Fairgrounds staff (Morgan) acknowledged new speakers had been installed and said it may be difficult for rodeos and similar events to meet a 65-decibel city standard for outdoor entertainment. Morgan proposed practical steps, including adding a decibel meter at the grandstand so announcers can monitor levels, reaching out to local sound engineers for speaker aiming and considering contract terms that limit maximum volume among groups that rent the facility.
The commission asked staff to begin conversations with the parks board, event organizers and sound contractors and to bring options back for discussion. No enforcement action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting.
