By Fairgrounds Levy Committee: RAN Pigman, Quinn Kirkland, Jenna Hendrickson, Margaret Andersen, Margaret Yuhas, Linda Stoll, Deborah Rogala, Rod Freeman, Jeff Carter
For over 120 years, the Ravalli County Fairgrounds have provided the citizens of, and visitors to, the Bitterroot Valley with important public space – space to congregate with friends, neighbors and family. The Fairgrounds serves as a year round meeting place for statewide conventions, a venue for the arts and non-profit organizations and hosts local, regional and state attended sporting events. The Fairgrounds provides critical sanctuary for pets and livestock during times of fire evacuations. And, of course, the Fairgrounds serves as the gathering place for valley residents and visitors at the annual county fair and rodeo.
At this point in time the Fairgrounds is asking for your support. The Fairgrounds is in need of long overdue maintenance and is looking to meet the needs of the future with improvements that will help drive our valley economy. Much of the facility does not meet access requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Electrical and plumbing infrastructure in our vintage barns are not up to current building and safety codes. Current funding levels are not adequate to provide for a sustainable operating and maintenance budget for this important public space, let alone fund improvements.
Thanks to our central location in the Bitterroot Valley we are a public showcase for the community. Investment in infrastructure and improvements at the Fairgrounds will increase capacity to host events, thus creating more opportunities to generate revenue for the businesses and citizens of Ravalli County. Plans for expansion will be directed by public input. Improvements identified at this time include development of a master plan based on public input, remodeling of the rodeo office and concession area, handicap accessible grandstand seating, food row infrastructure improvements, public trail system and improved public facilities – playground, picnic, sporting and garden areas.
FAQ’s about the mill levy request for the Fairgrounds:
Q: How much will the 5 mill levy cost me?
A: The annual tax increase on a home valued at $200,000 in Ravalli County would be $13.09.
Q: Is it true the fair board is considering making entry to the annual fair free if the levy passes?
A: Yes. With the above tax scenario, a family of four would save $15.91 each day of fair with the levy in place. The board feels strongly that a free gate at fair would encourage greater attendance, thus enhancing our food and commercial vendors’ bottom line along with making the annual event affordable for everyone.
Q: Why is the Fairgrounds asking for a permanent levy?
A: To provide for adequate maintenance and operation of facilities and to meet the future needs of our community.
We ask that you support our efforts by voting YES for the Fairgrounds Levy on November 4, 2014. Information sessions about the ballot question will be held at the Fairgrounds in the First Interstate Center on October 16 and 29 at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.