GREENVILLE – The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors had a special meeting Tuesday evening to discuss the speed barn renovation project, livestock sales, camping rates, and the new building.
During Public Comment, Tim Reck gave an update on the Speed Barn renovation project and an estimate on the remaining costs.
After discussion among Reck and the Fairboard members, the estimated cost to finish the project is $30,000. They have recently been awarded a $10,000 OHA Grant for the project; Reck shared that someone is coming to rent stalls soon that will bring in $9,000, and with the Stalls renovated, they can rent more out.
Dean Neff made the motion to give $30,000 towards the project. Apollo Perez seconded the motion, and the board voted yes unanimously.
“In the near future, we will get all that back,” Neff said.
“I gotta thank Tim for doing all this labor and handling,” Jim Zumbrink said.
Later in the meeting, the Fairboard discussed Livestock sales.
Marla Werner made the motion to have the livestock sale, night of achievement, on Wednesday of the fair for 2024. This was passed.
Heidi May then made the motion that only market animals, scholarships, and bump-ups go through online sales. This was passed.
The board also discussed raising camping rates on the fairgrounds.
“I think we are spending more on water and electric than what we are gaining out of it,” Christoph Keller said.
Keller made the motion to raise fair camping at $1 per site per day for utilities.
According to Werner, here is what the utility rates would look like with the raised rate:
North end water and electric would be $225 for the week.
North end just electric would be $185 for the week.
South end water, sewer, and electric would be $260 for the week.
South end water and electric would be $225 for the week.
The board passed the motion.
While discussing Capital improvement, Jim Zumbrink shared costs for the new building.
“The total cost of the building with all of the improvements we’ve made with it, this is no electric and no plumbing; the building itself is $1,090 846,” Zumbrink said.
Costs for things such as the electric and plumbing will be materials and time.
The Darke County Fair Board meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 pm at 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, Ohio, 45331, in the meeting room across from the fair office. For more information, contact the Fair office at 937-548-5044.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 pm.
