Increases are ahead for some rental fees charged for facilities at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Just exactly which fees and how much are still being determined.

During their meeting Monday, Douglas County Commissioners Charles Jones and Bob Johnson said they would like to eventually see the county recoup 50 percent of the cost of using the facilities through increased rental fees. They said fees might gradually be increased over a three-year period.

Deposits required for rentals also could be increased to cover costs, if the county ends up doing full cleanup after events.

A cost analysis on fairgrounds operations was presented to commissioners by Harold Stewart, a Kansas University public administration graduate student working as an intern in the county administrator’s office.

Some fee increases suggested in Stewart’s report would double. For example, six-hour blocks for renting Buildings 1 and 2 on weekdays would go from $20 to $40. Some fees, however, would not change.

Projected revenue for 2005 will cover only 19 percent of fairground operations, according to the study.

No decision about the discussed fee increases was made but commissioners indicated the issue would be discussed later. Commissioner Jere McElhaney was absent from the meeting.

In another matter:

¢ Commissioners approved purchase of electronic fingerprinting equipment for Douglas County Youth Services.