Germantown Fair board seeks county support as expenses outpace income

Kitten Gilligan, representing the Germantown Fair board, addressed Mason County Fiscal Court to request financial help and in-kind services for the fair’s 170th continuous running in August. Gilligan said the nonprofit’s income last year was $11,569.18 while expenses were about $13,067.61, leaving the organization with a negative balance; she asked the court to consider assistance of $2,500 or other in-kind support.

Gilligan outlined ongoing county contributions — inmate crews for clean-up, landfill/dumpster service, and sheriff’s deputies providing security — and described rising costs for insurance, EMS and vendors that have reduced vendor participation and net revenue. Commissioners acknowledged the request, noted the county already provides substantial in-kind support, and suggested Gilligan reach out to adjacent counties and the Department of Agriculture about grants and inter-county assistance. The court did not vote on a direct cash appropriation at the meeting but asked the fair board to report back with findings from outreach.

The court thanked Gilligan for the presentation and said staff will remain available to coordinate services.