Fairgrounds director urges modest fixes over $400,000 roof replacement

Linda Johnson, director of the Seward County Events Center and fairgrounds, presented the facility’s budget and a list of modest capital needs.

"On our insurance, we increased it by 3,000 because I'm not sure exactly where that stays," Johnson said as she outlined three line‑item increases (insurance, center‑point gas, and road work tied to events). She said payroll projections are down because the assistant administrator position was not replaced and emphasized that many repairs are handled in‑house to keep costs lower.

Johnson asked commissioners to consider smaller, targeted fixes rather than a full $400,000 livestock roof replacement: she suggested raising rafters and replacing tin in parts rather than a complete tear‑out. She also recommended billing contracted event organizers for fuel consumed by fairground tractors during rodeo setup, saying organizers arrive early and use county fuel.

The fair board later told commissioners it will continue pursuing sponsorships and grants to diversify revenue and cover high‑cost items such as concerts and demo derby purses. Commissioners asked staff to work with the fair to explore grant options and to consider whether certain event fuel costs can be invoiced to event organizers.