Reno County Fair board asks commissioners for bigger appropriation, points to ranch rodeo and rising costs

Jason Stallman, vice president of the Reno County Fair Board, told commissioners on May 22 that the fair is seeking more county support to stabilize operations and invest in growth. Stallman said the fair has operated at a loss in recent years and asked the commission to consider increasing the typical $10,000 appropriation to $20,000 for 2019.

Stallman described the fair as largely self-funded by fundraising and pass-through dollars and said much of the fair’s budget—he estimated the total budget above $100,000—consists of pass-through receipts related to 4-H premium payments and other event-specific funds. He also said rental rates at the Kansas State Fairgrounds have increased (the fair paid roughly an extra $1,500 over the past two years) and that such increases strain an already tight operating picture. "We fundraise two-thirds of our budget," Stallman said, arguing the county allotment helps leverage additional community support.

The fair board highlighted a new ranch rodeo that attracted 16 teams last year and drew participants from outside the county; organizers said expanding that event and adding attractions such as a barbecue or concert could help grow revenue. Commissioners pressed Stallman for more detailed budget line items and questioned whether a full doubling of the appropriation could be justified without clearer evidence that the new funds would address ongoing deficits rather than routine pass-through expenses.

No appropriation vote was taken at the meeting; commissioners encouraged staff and presenters to provide more detailed financial backup during the budget-review process.