When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Linn County in March 2020, the Linn County Board of Commissioners quickly determined that the Expo Center was a prime central location for public vaccination clinics — both in-house and drive-through — and circuit court activities.
At the time, commissioners said they’d do the right thing and worry about money later.
On Tuesday, Oct. 26, commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker agreed it was time to determine how money has or hasn’t flowed into and out of the facility, which saw nearly all of its usual events, like horse, dog and RV shows, dry up for nearly 18 months.
Fair Manager Randy Porter was directed to work with County Treasurer Michelle Hawkins to determine what state and federal COVID-19 money has been received and to investigate opportunities to apply for current grants to offset operating expenses. Porter said the pandemic has forced the facility to miss out on about $1.7 million in revenue.
Board Chair Nyquist said he wanted the following information:
— What has the COVID-19 pandemic cost the facility?
— The gross and net revenue since March 2020.
— What is the amount of state and/or federal reimbursement so far?
Porter said that bookings are starting to increase and the facility’s busiest months are usually January through May.
“We have the big ag show in November and then, all of our other events except a small one, are planning to go straight ahead as usual,” he said.
Porter also said painting is done except for touch-ups. McClinton Painting has been working for several weeks. The buildings were last painted in 2005. He has ordered 40 new tables to replace ones broken over the last 23 years.
He also informed the board that fair manager Ronda Sherman has resigned and has taken a position with the Oregon State Fair. Porter will work with the Linn County Fair Board to seek her replacement.
In other business, the commissioners:
— Discussed participating in a new Oregon Timber Counties Coalition, whose goal would be to lobby for improved management of U.S. Forest Service lands and to promote projects that will increase the productivity and health of those lands. Other counties in addition to Linn will include Coos, Douglas, Klamath, Marion, Polk and Tillamook. Commissioner Tucker said that it was important for counties to have a voice in Washington, D.C. He added that the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management are far ahead of the Forest Service in terms of cleanup and timber sales after the September 2020 fires that devastated much of the Santiam Canyon.
— Approved an agreement with Greater Albany Public Schools for $131,987 to provide programs at the detention center and the Jackson Street Youth Shelter. An agreement for $8,750 was also approved to provide services from polygraphs to transportation for young people.
— Approved a contract amendment with Peaceful Family Solutions.
– Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer