Public comment period for County Fair fee changes open

COCONINO COUNTY — The public can comment on proposed County Fair fee changes until April 6. The 60-day comment period on the proposed fees affects vendors, open livestock entries and 4-H wristbands.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors reviewed the fee changes, which have not increased since 2006, at the regular meeting on Jan. 28

The Board may consider any increase or change up to the amount proposed by the department but not anything higher. The Board could approve the fees any time after the 60-day comment period ending April 6, 2020

Coconino County Parks & Recreation (CCPR) manages the Coconino County Fair. CCPR suggested the fee changes to recover costs due to increased prices for goods and services, to align with industry best practices and to moderately increase revenue without impacting the cost to fairgoers. Fees also help offset damages to the Fairgrounds at historic Fort Tuthill Quad, which had a $4.1 million renovation in 2017.

The following is a summary of the proposed fee changes:

  • Coconino County Fair Vendors
    • Food Vendor fees change from a square footage fee to a minimum guarantee based on frontage against a percentage of gross revenue.
    • Amusement Vendor fees change from a percentage to a square footage fee.
    • Commercial & Non-Profit Vendors will see a nominal increase in cost per square foot of space rental.
    • A refundable deposit will now be required to account for damages, staff time outside of scheduled hours and violating rules set forth in the contract.
  • Open Livestock Entry
    • Open Poultry and Rabbit & Cavies fees increase from 50 cents to $1 per entry to offset a portion of the cost of feed and bedding supplied by the Fair.
    • Open Horse fees increase from $3 to $5 per entry to offset a portion of the cost of supplies associated with the Fair Horse Show.
  • 4-H Wristbands (applicable to 4-H youth and parents only)
    • 4-H Adult Admission Wristband (includes unlimited days and parking) fee increases from $20 to $25.
    • 4-H Child Admission Wristband (includes unlimited days and parking) fee increases from $12 to $15.

For more information on the proposed fee changes and to provide comments, visit Coconino.AZ.Gov/Parks