Fair Board Receives Budget News

The Cheyenne County Fair Board has a challenge in the 2019-2020 year — tightening the budget gap.

The fair board met Monday evening. Among the agenda items, Cheyenne County Commissioner Randal Miller encouraged the board to consider a finance committee.

"I think it would be nice to have a finance committee so the burden is not on one person," Miller said.

Board treasurer Anita Pennel was asked her opinion on creating a finance committee.

"Whoever is taking over as treasurer, it probably would help," Pennel said.

Miller commended the fair board on its work and dedication to the fair.

"I think you've all done a fantastic job," Miller said. "We really do appreciate all the hard work."

He said that the budget needs to be looked at from both sides: cost and revenue.

Miller said a finance committee would prevent all of the responsibility from being on one person.

"I think it would be nice to have a finance committee so the burden is not on one person," Miller said.

He proposed the fair board discuss it in the next meeting.

Miller said there will need to be some cuts in the fair budget.

"We're going to have to time some things back," he said.

He added the fair is not designed as a moneymaker, but the county has to be as efficient as possible.

"The fair is not make to make money," he said, "but we have to do the best we can."

Miller said there are people who no longer see the value in a county fair.

"I'm not one of them," he said.

He said the challenge is going to be finding additional revenue. Fair funding dropped from a little more than $99,000 to about $86,000 for the coming budget year. However, the county has increased the mill levy for the fair from about $52,000 to $67,000. He said there was a $70,000 shortfall last year.

"Somehow, somewhere, we need to generate more income," he said.

In other business, the fair board is looking at July 19-25 for the 2020 fair.

The board also discussed improvements to the pavilion and introduced new member Callen Whartman.