The Custer County Ag Society met in regular session Thursday evening, June 11 in the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds. Fair Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Fair Board members Scotti Ross and Mark Cardoza were both absent from Thursday’s meeting.
Ag Society Committee Reports
To begin the meeting, Palmer provided an overview of the Ag Society Financial Report. Palmer noted there were more bills than usual in the past month, totaling just short of $27,000.
One item in particular pointed out by Palmer was $5,500 to RJ Meyer and Associates of North Platte. The accounting firm has completed its annual audit of the Ag Society books. Palmer stated that there would be some corrections needed, and the full report will be provided at the next Ag Society meeting.
General Manager Clay Hayes reported on a very successful recent event. The Nebraska Ranch Horse Association show is looking to expand their event from a single, two-day activity this year, to two, three-day events next year. Hayes indicated that the feedback received from the event was excellent, and the support the Fairgrounds was able to provide played a large part in the organizers looking to expand.
Board Member Clint Lambrecht noted that events such as the the Association show bring a large number of people to Broken Bow, funneling money not only to the Fairgrounds, but also to hotels and restaurants.
Board Member Andy Gibbons reported work to install a new ice machine on the fairgrounds, as well as the installation of fiber internet by Viareo Fiber are progressing, with boring work completed for both.
Gibbons also stated that new lights have been installed in the indoor arena. The new lighting is a noticeable improvement over the prior illumination in the building, though some fine-tuning is still needed to address shadows in some areas. The old lights will likely find new homes in the 4-H show building and the area under the grandstands.
Fair Board Receives Bids for Additional Camper Pedestals
The Board opened four sealed bids to install a series of new camper electrical and water hookups, selecting Myers Construction for the work. Gibbons, who submitted a bid for the work, recused himself from the discussion and vote.
Bid results for camper pedestal project
| Bidder | Total bid amount |
|---|---|
| Myers Construction | $19,984.29 |
| Gibbons Electric | $24,021.00 |
| Red Fern Electric | $27,500.00 |
| Halls Electric (North Platte) | $53,514.00 |
The project was originally divided into two phases with 6 sites each, but the board ultimately chose to complete all 12 sites at once. While the Budget and Finance Committee had initially discussed limiting the project to around $12,000, which would likely have covered only six pedestals, the Board concluded it would be more efficient to complete the entire installation now rather than trench the same area twice.
The Board also discussed tying future campground improvements directly to camper rental revenue from the county fair. Additional funds for future upgrades to the campground and utilities would come directly from camper income beyond electricity costs.
The new camping spots should be installed and available prior to opening reservations for the fair.
Event Revenue Tracking Generates Debate
Near the end of the meeting, board members discussed the idea of creating a dedicated account or earmarked fund for event sponsorship revenue. The discussion stemmed from challenges the fairgrounds faces seeking sponsorships for events such as the demolition derby and barbecue.
Board member Shelby Spanel suggested setting aside a portion of profits generated by successful events to help fund future community events and reduce the need to repeatedly seek sponsorships from local businesses.
Board members generally agreed with the concept of tracking event-generated revenue more closely, but there was debate about how the funds should be managed. Palmer expressed concern about placing money in a separate account that would not be readily available for unexpected facility expenses, noting the fairgrounds still face significant infrastructure needs.
Members agreed the topic warrants further discussion as the board gains more financial data from its new accounting system and evaluates future sponsorship packages and event funding strategies.
In the end, no action was taken as the Board continues seek the right balance between activities that support community businesses and bring in larger profits for the Fairgrounds, and those that provide entertainment to the community at large, but require more outside sponsorship.
Other Board Activity
The Fair Board approved renewal of its insurance policy with Jones Insurance. No changes were made for the immediate renewal, however Hayes will work with Jones representative Kori Kieborz on an updated facility and asset list for consideration in the future.
The livestock tie-out project near the wash area should be up before fair time, providing more space to prepare animals for show.
An $11,000 grant was also received to cover the costs of new Priefert pens and chutes to be installed in the Indoor Arena. If all goes well, the Board discussed applying for a similar grant for similar new equipment in the Outdoor Arena next year.
This weekend, The Custer County Ag Society and Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce are bringing back the Custer County Demolition Derby. Gates open at 5:30 PM, with the excitement starting at 7:00. Following the Demo Derby, the Kyle Sayler Band will be performing to end the night.
The meeting of the Custer County Ag Society adjourned at 8:31 PM. The next regular meeting of the Ag Society is scheduled for July 9, starting at 7:00 PM in the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow.
