Fair board seeks $40,000 in 2025 budget; library and Main Street ask for smaller increases

Representatives of the Rawlins County Fair Board told the commissioners they are seeking $40,000 in the 2025 county budget to fund planned fairgrounds upgrades. Aaron Sis and Matt Micek presented plans and bids and said they anticipate covering roughly 50% of the cost with grants, 20% with donations and asking the county for about 30%.

Grace Kastens of the Atwood Library reviewed the library’s finances and new programs and asked for a modest increase to the 2025 allocation so the library can hire a replacement for expected retirements.

Mark Wolters of the Main Street Foundation thanked the commissioners for prior funding, said the foundation’s operating costs are about $3,000 per month because three paid staff are required when volunteers are not available, and asked the county to budget $7,500 in 2025 to support continued operations.

Commissioners asked staff to consider budget implications and noted that grant packaging through the county could ease administration for some projects. No formal funding commitments were made at the May 15 meeting; the items were entered for budget consideration in 2025.