EATON — Preble County Commissioners met with members of the PC Agricultural Society on Monday, Aug. 12, for a review of the recent county fair.
“First, we went with the online fair book but then gave people an option to buy it online. I didn’t hear too much feedback on that. So that’s probably what we’re going to keep doing because we saved quite a bit,” Karen Hamilton said.
“We were down as you could see, but we weren’t really surprised because three rain events,” Hamilton said of revenue. “But, we got rain insurance, so that will help subsidize some of the loss.”
Hamilton also noted, the Agricultural Society might need to look at an increase to admission at the gates.
Numbers for the numbers of animals sold at the livestock sale were up as far as the species sold, according to Hamilton, but the revenue was down.
“We went to ticketing for all of our events, and gave people the option to buy them online,” she reported. I thought it would be a bigger number, but the reality is that people like to come and pay cash.”
“I appreciate you putting together these financials for this meeting, understanding that you guys haven’t had your time to meet and go over the fair,” Commissioner Rachael Vonderhaar said. For me this meeting could have waited. Because the Ag Society should have had a chance to review any information before presenting. And I appreciate you coming in and giving us the info.”
“I also wanted to tell you guys that I’m very thankful for Lavon (Auditor, Wright) and her group,” Hamilton said. “They saved us hours and hours of work. We didn’t have to touch that money, the money that comes in and goes out, they handle and take to the bank and deposit, and they do that for no charge, which is a big, big, big savings for us in lots of ways. So, I just want to put that on record. We’re thankful for that relationship. And hopefully we continue because it’s nice having that taken care of.”
County Commissioners were also supposed to receive a quarterly update from Ohio State Extension Educator Betsy Lairson, but Lairson was a no-show, much to the chagrin of board members.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
