Fine tuning fairground protocols

DAYTON–The Board of Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) decided to disallow the use of the white barn at the fairgrounds for hay storage by horse stall renters presently until the new rental agreement is complete.

Another fairground issue regarding hay storage in the white barn by horse stall renters was presented by Kathy Arnzen during the meeting October 6, where she questioned the protocols presently in place for such usage.

Arnzen, who is active at the fairgrounds, particularly in co-hosting Buck Brannaman’s annual visit to the County, claims she and others are concerned over the use of the white barn by the stall renters for hay storage. It is her understanding those who rent stalls have their own available area to house their hay closer to their work space. It is also evident that some who use the white barn for hay storage most often leave a mess behind and neglect to clean up that area.

“I don’t feel that it’s the community’s responsibility, or the county’s or the fairgrounds’ to supply a major barn for them to store their hay in it,” Arnzen said.

Commissioner Chuck Amerein, who oversees the fairgrounds, agreed that people should clean up after themselves and follow rules. But he said that this is a case of “he said, she said” and “there’s no way to have eyes on what’s going on.”

Chuck Eaton of Public Works was called to give his input since he hold direct responsibility of the fairgrounds. Eaton felt it was up to the Commissioners to decide how to handle the situation, but stated that these types of things need to be stipulated in the Stall Renter’s Agreement that is set to be completed by the end of the year.

Amerein pointed out that the fairground is budget neutral in that it is actually bringing in money and is paying for itself unlike other departments within the County as they face budgetary constraints. Therefore, the Commissioners stated there is value to the business the stall renters bring in.

The decision made about the hay storage issue Arnzen presented is, for the time being and until the updated stall rental agreement in ready, the white barn is not open for stall renter hay storage.