Kootenai County commissioners approve fairgrounds agreement

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County commissioners approved an agreement this week that would give voters the final say about whether the fairgrounds move within the next 20 years. 

Commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday in favor of a memorandum of understanding between Kootenai County and the North Idaho Fair Board to keep the fair at its current location for the foreseeable future. The MOU has a term of 20 years. 

The agreement may be terminated with the written agreement of both parties, after 180 days notice, or “upon certification of any election, whether binding or advisory, which provides Kootenai County with the authority to move the fair to a location other than the current fairgrounds.” 

Also included in the agreement is a requirement that any donor who gives $10,000 or more release and waive any claim against the county “alleged to have arisen from the donor’s reliance on (the memorandum of understanding) in making such donation.” 

Talks about a long-term lease or memorandum of understanding for the fairgrounds have been ongoing since June, amid persistent rumors that the fairgrounds might relocate. In July, fair leadership unveiled a $280 million master plan to rejuvenate and expand the fairgrounds over the next 30 years, while cautioning that rumors of a move have created uncertainty among the community and potential donors looking to invest in the fair’s infrastructure. 

Alexcia Jordan, general manager and CEO of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho State Fair, said she was relieved to have the deal done. 

“I’m feeling grateful that our commissioners see that the fairgrounds add value to the citizens of Kootenai County,” she said Wednesday.  

The agreement is a compromise, Jordan said, and a positive one.  

“It’s one that allows us to look at what the next chapter for this facility is, which is exciting for our whole community,” she said. “I think it puts to rest the rumors that we will be moving and reaffirms that this is a home we’ve been enjoying for generations and will continue to enjoy.” 

Leslie Duncan cast the dissenting vote Tuesday, citing concerns that the agreement is not enforceable and that the county did not gather enough input from the community before approving it. 

“This has been a discussion with the fair and those people involved in the fair, which is fantastic,” she said. “I love that. But it has never been a broader conversation with the community.” 

Commissioner Bruce Mattare said he believes the agreement will give the community a voice when it comes to the fairgrounds. 

“If a future board wanted to move the fairgrounds, there would be an opportunity to take it to a public vote and let the public have the final say on what happens to the fairgrounds,” he said. “I think everyone is in agreement that it’s the community’s fairgrounds. It’s not the board’s fairgrounds.” 

Bill Brooks agreed. 

“The people of the county will be the governing voice, if you will, as to whether this fair ever moves,” he said. 

Duncan expressed doubts about whether the agreement would accomplish the fair board’s goal of establishing a long-term home for the fair. 

“I just feel like this is more of a feel-good document,” she said. “My commitment is to provide a suitable location, always, to ensure that the fair continues and is not harmed, ever. I just don’t see how this document in particular is helpful.”

Jordan said she sees the agreement with the county as a good move that helps secure the future of the fair.  

“I hope it will allow the community to see the fairgrounds as the gem that it is and provide us with solid footing so we can move forward with the plans we’ve been so excited to accomplish,” she said.