Commissioners debate adding another fairgrounds maintenance position amid workload and cost concerns

Commissioners spent extended time on fairgrounds staffing after the clerk noted an extra maintenance position was included in the draft budget for fairgrounds. One commissioner said the new position had been discussed previously in a budget workshop and worried about overlap: "There's already been 1 person, Gary, and then you fill Anthony's spot with Gary… I still think there'll only be 1 person in the fairgrounds." The clerk confirmed Anthony was budgeted at a 40‑hour level and the draft also included pay for a new hire (roughly $35,400 plus FICA).

Several commissioners and staff described unfinished maintenance tasks and the tension between event coverage and routine upkeep, noting events can consume an employee's hours. A commissioner warned about the financial risk: "I don't want that to end up being a money pit." Commissioners discussed cross‑training existing hires (moving a road crew hire to fairgrounds if needed), using seasonal or intern help during summer peaks, and including a placeholder amount in the draft budget rather than immediately hiring another full‑time position. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to keep budget flexibility and return with a refined proposal.