Jun 21, 2023

Barton County Fair Board takes over lease of all Expo buildings

Posted Jun 21, 2023 3:00 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

The Barton County Fair Board is now leasing all three of the buildings at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the authorization of the lease with the Fair Board for Expo I and Expo II.

Already owning Expo III and leasing the property, the Fair Board worked out the details with the city to acquire the others after the city was handed ownership of the structures this spring from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. City Attorney Allen Glendenning said the term of the lease is 20 years.

"It's subject to being terminated upon 180 days notice if we need to terminate for any reason," said Glendenning. "It's a dollar a year which is the standard fee that's been charged for Expo III. It does give the city the right to have five events out there at half the normal cost that is being charged to other renters."

The Fair Board will take over operation and maintenance of the buildings, except for major repairs. The Chamber transferred the ownership of Expo I and Expo II because the limited use of the buildings, the price of utilities, insurance and maintenance can outweigh the revenue.