Organizations oppose rental fee increase at county fairgrounds

Representatives of organizations that frequently use the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds spoke out against increased rental fees Wednesday night during the Douglas County Commission meeting.

“That’s excessive and a hardship on our budget,” said Lloyd Northrop, a member of the Happy Times Square Dancers club.

Northrop argued that increased fees would cause his club to pay an amount triple its previous fees for dancing on one night and for square dance training on another night.

Others had similar arguments, saying that their rates would double and, in at least one case, increase as much as five times the current rate.

Richard Schaumburg, who organizes a three-day flea market held at the fairgrounds, said his total weekend rental fees would skyrocket from $250 to $1,300.

Some organizations touted the good things they do for the community, including one that has purchased needed equipment for fairgrounds buildings.

Commissioners Bob Johnson and Charles Jones delayed voting on the new fee schedule until Wednesday but indicated they expected to approve it. Commissioner Jere McElhaney wasn’t at the meeting because of a personal matter he had to attend to.

Johnson and Jones emphasized that they think the fee increases are needed to help the county recapture 50 percent of fairground operation costs over a three-year period. They also noted increasing maintenance costs. And they said organizations would have time to prepare for the increases because those that have already scheduled events this year won’t have to pay the new fees until next year. In some cases, the increased costs to clubs spread among members or vendors would amount to about a dollar.

At the same time, commissioners said they were sympathetic to organizations that will face major increases. County administrators will be given the leeway to adjust the rates later if they see fit.

In other business, commissioners approved allowing rural retailers to seek permission to sell packaged beer and liquor on Sundays. Sales begin 60 days after publication of the resolution, unless there is a valid protest petition submitted to force a public vote.