GREENVILLE – The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors met Wednesday evening.
During Public Comment, Tina McGillvary introduced herself to the board as the new Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. Following her introduction, she addressed the board about the Friday Sampler Budget.
“It was suggested that I ask for $4,000 dollars,” said McGillvary. “The previous Family and Consumer Sciences Educator said she really went out of her way to use her friends and connections in Darke County. I will admit, I’m not new to Ohio, not new to the area. However, I am new to the county. I don’t have those friends and connections this year.”
Board Director, Marla Werner, shared that there was a budget already set for $1,500 earlier in the year and the board later approved the budget during the meeting.
During the Junior Fair Report, Atlanta Moore and Betsy Petitjean shared some new knowledge they had learned at an April conference. They also requested that the board approve the purchase of five iPads, to be used as kiosk stations for all departments to help with the flow of entries.
It was noted that June 8th, 2023 at 9:00 am will be an Entry Help Day located at the Swine Barn.
During Old Business, the board moved into Executive Session to “consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.”
Later during the meeting, it was shared that the search is continuing for a Caretaker and General Laborer position at the fairgrounds.
The board approved the purchase of a John Deere 324 Skid Loader through Koenig Equipment, appraised at $59,000, and the outright sale of the current loader for a price to be determined.
“The bid from Koenig’s was $58,979.94 with a trade in value of $47,000 with a difference of $11,979.94,” shared Director Christoph Keller.
Director Marla Werner, shared that the board had been looking to purchase an AED for the use of all events held on the fairgrounds. It was reported that they now have an AED for on-site use.
“Wayne Hospital and Midmark have a grant that will buy you an AED. You do have to come up with one-third of the cost, which is $400,” said Werner.
The Wayne Hospital Foundation also donated 10 first aid kits to be placed in each department on the fairgrounds. Each kit was valued at $187 and was 100% covered by the foundation.
Before the meeting concluded, there was discussion of having a Darke County Fair Supporter of the Year instead of a Parade Marshall due to the cancellation of the 2024 parade.
“This person has contributed a lot to 4-H and the community for a very long time. She’s touched a lot of kids and families. She has been our Junior Fair Coordinator and is no longer involved at this level, but she is still involved with kids,” shared Werner. She has always been around and supported the Junior Fair and 4-H.”
The board unanimously voted to nominate Rhonda Williams, a former 4-H Youth Development Educator, as the 2024 Darke County Fair Supporter of the Year. Williams will be recognized at the Opening Ceremony.
It was also approved to increase the Fair Manager, Laura Ahrens salary from $45,000 to $50,000 with a $5,000 raise.
The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors will hold their next meeting located at the Secretary’s Office on June 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
