WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE INCREASED EXPO RENTAL RATES, ACCEPT EQUIPMENT DONATION FOR 4-H MEETINGS

  

Washington County Commissioners agreed on Tuesday to bump up the rental rates for some facilities at the Expo and also accepted a donation to better accommodate local 4-H gatherings.

The rate increases apply to half-day, weekday and weekend rentals at the Expo, and range from $25 to $200 more for certain amenities such as the commercial kitchen, standard kitchen and some restrooms. 

Expo Director Harrison Williams said the higher rates are meant to combat inflation and remain reasonable when compared to other rental destinations in the region.

Williams noted that the increases are just for the Expo’s main buildings and not the livestock barns, saying attempting to raise the prices there would be “pricing ourselves out.”

Also on Tuesday, the court accepted a donation of items to be used for a dedicated gathering space for 4-H groups, in the building near the beer token booth for the county fair.  The items include tables and chairs, as well as improved technology like a TV, internet access and better acoustics to put in the space to hold meetings.  The monetary value of the donation is worth $5,000.

Crystal Mikolajchak, chair of the Washington County 4-H Parent Association, said this equipment will be of use to more than just the youth in 4-H.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said it can be difficult to balance rented activities at the Expo with 4-H events, but this is “a super solution.”