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Resident raises governance and safety concerns at fairgrounds; board appoints the speaker to Fair Board
Summary
During public comment Erin Hill urged the county to investigate fair board governance, finances and safety. Fair Board leaders responded; the board unanimously appointed Hill to the Fair Board to fill an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2027 and discussed an upcoming executive session to review complaints.
Erin Hill used the public-comment period at the April 21 meeting to press the board to investigate governance, financial accountability, hiring practices, permitting and licensing compliance, and the physical safety of buildings and equipment at the Wahkiakum County fairgrounds.
"Erin Hill provided public comments regarding her concerns with fair board governance, financial accountability, hiring practices, potential permitting and licensing violations and the safety and physical condition of the fairgrounds and equipment," the minutes state. Fair Board President Kay Walters and Fairgrounds Manager Patty Dursteler responded in turn; Zoom participant Zack Reed and Fair Board member Daria Lacy also addressed governance and maintenance concerns. Commissioner Mark Letham said he would visit the fairgrounds that day to assess reported issues, and the board discussed holding an executive session in two weeks to review complaints against staff.
Following those discussions the board moved to appoint Erin Hill to the Fair Board to fill an unexpired term through December 31, 2027. The motion was approved unanimously (Aye - Tischer, Letham and Cothren). The minutes record the allegations and the board’s planned follow-up but do not contain investigatory findings or detailed corrective actions.
