McLeod County approves $86,983 lighting and electrical upgrade for fairgrounds with $16,230 annual savings projected

The McLeod County Board of Commissioners approved an $86,982.81 electrical and lighting project for the county fairgrounds on April 7, following a recommendation from the fairgrounds committee and discussion of energy and safety benefits.

Building services presented a low-bid estimate from Essquare Electrical of Hutchinson. The project includes replacement of aging lighting fixtures (including 26 fixtures at the grandstand tower), replacement or upgrade of electrical panels, and coordination with Hutchinson utility to add a second service transformer. Staff said the existing lighting system is 30-plus years old, inefficient and a security concern; the project is projected to save about $16,229.98 annually in energy costs.

Commissioners discussed the broader growth in fairground events that has increased electrical demand and agreed the improvements support safety and long-term use. Commissioner Krueger moved to approve the project; the motion passed by voice vote.