The Northern Gila County Fair (NGCF) takes place in Payson, AZ every September. Each year the Payson community hosts this event filled with arts & crafts, animal auctions, local exhibitors, and a carnival. The NGCF is an event for families, local schools and the community to enjoy the culture of northern Gila County. The 60th Annual NGCF was held this past September 5-7, 2014.
The County provided funds to NGCF in FY14 under the Agriculture Education Foundation which is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. On August 19, 2014, the Board of Supervisors received a letter from the NGCF Treasurer, Rick Korth, requesting a donation for the 2015 NGCF. Funds would provide exhibit tents, announcers, judges, awards, ribbons, buckles, night security, port-a-potty facilities, and trash removal.
Evaluation
Gila County has supported the NGCF over the years. In FY (fiscal year) 2011 and FY2012, the County provided $15,000. In FY2014, the County provided $10,000 through the Agriculture Education Foundation for the NGCF. On August 19, 2014, the Board of Supervisors received a letter from the NGCF Treasurer, Rick Korth, requesting a donation for the 2015 NGCF. Staff recommends that the County contribute $10,000 towards the 61st Annual Northern Gila County Fair held in Payson, AZ during September 2015 and to use funds from the Community Agencies Fund.
Conclusion
The purpose of this funding request is public and the expenditure of these funds will assist in the creation or retention of jobs or will otherwise improve or enhance the economic welfare of the inhabitants of the County. Staff believes it is appropriate to make a contribution in the amount of $10,000 in the form of an Economic Development Grant to NGCF for the benefit of the public. The Grant will be used by NGCF to assist with the operating cost for the 2015 fair, including but not limited to, such items as exhibit tents, announcers, judges, awards, ribbons, buckles, night security, port-a-potty facilities and trash removal. Funds would be paid out of the Community Agency Fund in order to assist the 2015 Northern Gila County Fair.
Recommendation
County staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve Agreement No. 082914-1 between Gila County and the Agriculture Education Foundation d/b/a Northern Gila County Fair to provide funds in the amount of $10,000 to assist the 61st Annual Northern Gila County Fair in Payson, Arizona.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion/Action to approve Agreement No. 082914-1 between Gila County and the Agriculture Education Foundation d/b/a Northern Gila County Fair; provide funds in the amount of $10,000 to assist the 61st Annual Northern Gila County Fair in Payson, Arizona; and further the Board determines this is for the benefit of the public and will improve or enhance the economic welfare of the inhabitants of Gila County. (Don McDaniel)